Detectives are hunting a gang snaring victims on Grindr before carrying out dozens of burglaries, thefts and fraud offences across London.
Superintendent Owen Renowden said around 50 “potential hate crimes” have been committed since October last year.
Suspects would arrange to meet the men at their homes via the dating app and once inside, steal high value items including mobile phones, according to the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command.
Supt Renowden, the force’s hate crime lead overseeing a fast-paced investigation, added: “In other reports we have received, they build a rapport with the victim while paying close attention to the PIN number they enter into their phones before using distraction techniques to steal them, going on to make various digital payments and transactions.
“Due to the volume of these offences and the serious impact on the safety of both individuals and communities, we are treating them as potential hate crimes.”
A 22-year-old man, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, has been charged with burglary and fraud offences. He is remanded in custody.
Two other men, aged 27 and 28 and both from Harrow, have been detained on suspicion of burglary. They are on bail while the probe continues.
Last May in a separate case, predator Brandon Conrado-Gamboa drugged men he met on Grindr and burgled their homes.
Conrado-Gamboa, then 30, was jailed for 11 years for targeting four victims in Brentford, Hampton, Hounslow and the Bromley areas of London, stealing items such as phones, laptops, a car and clothing.
Superintendent Renowden said: “Our investigation is progressing at pace, but we believe there are a number of offences that have not yet been reported to us, so I urge anyone who may have been targeted, or may have crucial information that will help us with our enquiries, to contact us as soon as possible.
“I understand some people may be apprehensive about getting in touch with us, but I’d like to provide reassurance that all reports will be thoroughly investigated.
“We are working closely with our LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group and the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, GALOP, to ensure we conduct our investigation with sensitivity and care.
“The Met Police is fully committed to ensuring all our communities in London feel safe, as well as continuing to enhance the trust and confidence LGBT+ people place in us. Organised crime has a devastating impact on society and your help will be key in helping us bring those responsible to justice.”
Anyone with information can contact police via 101, quoting reference CAD 5090/15APR, or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
