THE number of alleged sex attacks and violent crimes potentially involving people’s use of online dating apps Tinder and Grindr is increasing in West Yorkshire.
Eleven accusations of rape have been reported to police between 2014 and August this year after people met on the apps. People were also the victims of fraud, sexual offences and violent attacks.
The apps connect people online and, after a ‘match’ is made by swiping through photographs, allows them to chat on the app and arrange to meet.
Around seven million UK residents are currently registered on dating sites, and it is estimated one in three relationships in the UK now starts online.
However, a Freedom of Information request to West Yorkshire Police found the connections can sometimes take a turn for the worse.
While only four crimes were recorded with a direct link to Tinder or Grindr throughout the whole of 2014 and 2015, the total has increased heavily in the last two years. There were 19 incidents in 2016, 30 a year later, and 31 in the first eight months of this year.
The most frequent crime recorded was ‘violence without injury’, which has occurred 37 times since 2014. Figures showed there were 11 accusations of rape over the same period of time
Detective Chief Inspector Vanessa Smith of West Yorkshire Police’s Cyber Crime Team said: “People who are using online dating apps and websites need to think very carefully about what information they are sharing. Just as you wouldn’t disclose your personal information to a random person on the street, this same approach should be taken online when speaking with people who you don’t know and can’t verify.
“Please ensure that you use reputable sites and should you have concern please raise them with the relevant company who will have their own reporting processes.”
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, urged people to stay safe when using a dating app.
He said: “I have made significant investment into West Yorkshire Police in recent years which enabled the creation of a dedicated Cyber Crime Unit to tackle a wide range of offences carried out with the use of technology, many crimes now having a digital footprint of some kind.
“I would also urge anyone using dating websites or apps to follow steps such as taking your time really getting to know the person and if you do decide to meet, do so in a safe public place.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article