North Vancouver RCMP says it is investigating three dating-app-related assaults, which it believes are likely connected.
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North Vancouver RCMP has issued a public warning after three dating app-related assaults that occurred on separate days in late August.
The incidents are linked to the dating application Grindr. RCMP says victims were invited to meet through the app and were “subsequently confronted by groups of young people.”
RCMP says the assaults took place on August 27, August 29 and August 31. In the August 27 and August 31 cases, victims reported they had been communicating with an individual through Grindr and agreed to meet in person.
RCMP reports that upon arrival, both victims were confronted by groups of young people and were assaulted or threatened. Both incidents also involved damage to the victims’ vehicles.
Investigators say a review of CCTV footage linked the August 29 assault to the other two incidents. RCMP also says the August 29 incident had not previously been reported to police.
RCMP believes all three incidents are most likely connected based on the circumstances and evidence gathered to date. Cst. Paul Reece said investigators are “pursuing all available avenues to identify those responsible,” and encouraged anyone with information or video to contact police.
RCMP is asking the public for CCTV or dash-camera footage from Eldon Park on August 27, Ross Road Elementary School on August 29, and Lynn Valley Elementary School on August 31.
People with information are asked to contact North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file numbers #26-18057, #26-18481 and #26-20739. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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