Source : Perth Now news
A group of teenagers have been arrested over a series of alleged attacks on men in Melbourne, with police saying the victims are lured on dating apps before being assaulted and robbed.
Victoria Police on Monday announced the five, aged between 16 and 18, had been arrested over the alleged trend.
Police allege the groups of offenders have been posing as legitimate users of the platforms to lure men into meeting them.
Once there, they are then allegedly assaulted, robbed, threatened, and subjected to homophobic comments.
“The five arrests were made by the Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit last week after 11 incidents of this kind were reported to police in the Greater Dandenong area,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with robbery, armed robbery, obtaining property by deception and intentionally cause injury.
Another 16-year-old was charged with kidnapping, robbery, attempted robbery and intentionally cause injury.
A 17-year-old was also charged with armed robbery, obtain property by deception, intentionally cause injury and sexual assault.
Two 18-year-old from Dandenong were also charged with robbery.
One was charged with robbery, sexual assault and intentionally cause injury while the other was charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, attempted robbery, sexual assault, intentionally cause injury and obtain property by deception.
The alleged attacks crimes are part of 113 incidents that have been reported to Victoria police since January 2024.
Currently, 50 arrests have been made in relation to alleged crimes involving dating apps.
Southern Metro Region Investigation & Response Acting Inspector Jarrod Dwyer said the behaviour of the alleged offenders would “not be tolerated”.
“This would have no doubt been a distressing situation for the victims involved,” he said
“These arrests show just how serious we are in holding offenders to account.”
“We take any report of the crime extremely seriously and urge anyone who has experienced this behaviour to come forward and make a report to police so we can investigate.”
In 2026, 11 alleged incidents have already been reported to police in the Greater Dandenong area, including in local government areas like in Manningham, Casey, Hume, Moorabbin and Knox.
Victoria Police are urging anyone who has experienced a similar crime to report it as they can work with the apps to track down offenders.
“It is never too late to make a report – so when you’re ready, please speak to us,” Inspector Dwyer said.
“Everyone has a right to go about their lives, meet new people and start a relationship in safety.
