A man has been arrested after four London men were reportedly “administered a noxious substance” and then burgled - after allegedly being targeted through dating app Grindr.
Scotland Yard has received four reports of burglaries in which the suspects are believed to have drugged victims in order to commit thefts - in Brentford, Hampton, Hounslow and Bromley.
The incidents are reported to have taken place between New Year’s Eve, and Monday, January 9.
Detectives investigating the series of thefts arrested a 29-year-old on suspicion of aggravated burglary, after arriving at Gatwick Airport on Thursday.
He was taken to a south London police station, where he remained on Friday evening.
The string of burglaries are believed to have been carried out by two male suspects, who reportedly contacted the four victims through Grindr - a popular dating app targeted to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “The victims - four men aged between 32 and 55 - were rendered unconscious by the substance and woke up to find several of their personal belongings missing.
“Each victim suffered no lasting effects and all are engaging with officers to support the investigation.
“Working together or, on occasion, separately, the two suspects identified their victims on Grindr.”
Scotland Yard previously issued an appeal for any victims of similar incidents to come forward, following the reports.
Detective Superintendent Dan O’Sullivan said last month: “We believe other victims may have been targeted between the New Year period and January 9, however for personal reasons may not have wanted to report it.
“If you have been a victim, you can report in confidence to us or speak to an officer from the LGBTQ+ community.
“Although the suspects have fled the country and the risk to the community is reduced, we are continuing to engage with our partners and those from LGBT Independent advisory groups.”
