North Vancouver RCMP are currently looking into a series of assaults that have occurred involving individuals who were targeted through the Grindr dating application. The victims were lured to meet via the app and then were faced with groups of young people who proceeded to assault them, issue threats, and cause damage to their vehicles, as stated by Const. Paul Reece. The culprits are believed to be in the age range of 16 to 20 years old.
Two of the incidents were officially reported to the police. The first incident happened on August 27 at Eldon Park, while the second occurred on August 29 at Ross Road Elementary School. After reviewing security footage, authorities identified a third incident at Lynn Valley Elementary School on August 31 and are urging the victim in that particular case to come forward. Investigators suspect that the three incidents are linked.
Grindr, a widely used app catering to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, has caused concern within the queer community due to these events. The North Shore Pride Alliance issued a safety alert for its members following the assaults. Although the motives behind the assaults have not been disclosed by the police, Chris Bolton, co-founder of the alliance, expressed worries about potential intolerance stemming from the United States and online platforms.
Bolton emphasized the importance of not letting these incidents deter the community from using the Grindr app but recommended taking safety precautions when meeting individuals, such as informing a friend about the meeting or opting for a public location. He also suggested arranging a brief video call with the person beforehand to verify their identity.
While acknowledging the positive connections made through Grindr, Bolton condemned any use of the platform for violent purposes, emphasizing the need for safety and respect. Bolton expressed confidence in the RCMP’s ability to swiftly address the issue to prevent further incidents and urged individuals with any relevant information or footage to come forward. The Serious Crimes Unit of the North Vancouver RCMP is leading the investigation.