Five males have been arrested after a series of attacks on men who police allege were targeted through dating apps and social media.<\/p>\n
Police say groups of offenders have been posing as legitimate users on these platforms to lure men into meeting them.<\/p>\n
The victims are then assaulted, robbed, threatened and subjected to what police described as homophobic comments.<\/p>\n
If this story has raised concerns for you, help is available:<\/p>\n
Urgent help:<\/p>\n
Lifeline<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 13 11 14Kids Helpline<\/a> \u2014 1800 551 800<\/p>\n LGBT\u00a0and mental health support:<\/p>\n Switchboard<\/a> \u2014\u00a01800 729 367Qlife<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 1800 184 527Headspace<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 1800 650 890Beyond Blue<\/a> \u2014 1300 22 4636<\/p>\n Five males aged between 16 and 18 have been arrested in relation to 11 incidents that were reported to police in the Greater Dandenong area.<\/p>\n They are facing various charges including kidnapping, sexual assault, intentionally causing injury and armed robbery.<\/p>\n Police said there had been 113 reports of similar attacks across the state since January 2024, which resulted in 47 arrests.<\/p>\n Acting Inspector Jarrod Dwyer said police were treating the alleged attacks as concerning.<\/p>\n “There is no place for it in our society, and it will not be tolerated by police,” he said.<\/p>\n He said police were investigating distressing allegations, and he urged any victims of attacks to contact police and not just rely on reporting incidents to the dating apps.<\/p>\n “Everyone has a right to go about their lives, meet new people and start a relationship in safety.<\/p>\n “It is never too late to make a report, so when you’re ready, please speak to us. The more we know, the more we can do something about it and keep victims safe.”<\/p>\n A Victoria Police spokesperson said investigators were continuing to work with dating apps and were publishing proactive safety messaging on the platforms, including reporting options and support services.<\/p>\n They said detectives could request information from the apps to help with their investigations, including when one party had blocked or deleted someone from the app.<\/p>\n They said a Victoria Police LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer was available<\/a> to anyone who needed support.<\/p>\n