SHOCKING DETAILS REVEALED AS FIVE TEENAGERS ARE ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED DATING APP ATTACKS IN MELBOURNE..! – POLICE INVESTIGATE CLAIMS VICTIMS WERE LURED THROUGH ONLINE MEET-UPS BEFORE BEING TARGETED.
Moment five teenagers arrested over alleged dating app attacks in Melbourne
Footage has captured the moment cops swooped on five teens accused of using dating apps to lure men before assaulting and robbing them.
Footage has revealed the moment a group of teenagers were arrested after allegedly using dating apps to lure men before assaulting and robbing them.
Police allege the five teenagers, aged between 16 and 18, posed as legitimate users of the platforms to lure men into meeting them.
Once there, they are then allegedly assaulted, robbed, threatened, and subjected to homophobic comments.
“The five arrests were made by the Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit last week after 11 incidents of this kind were reported to police in the Greater Dandenong area,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
Footage released by police showed the teenagers being taken from the homes across Melbourne.
Police have arrested five teenagers over the alleged scheme. Picture: Victoria Police
One teen, wearing cream chinos and a dark jumper, walked slowly alongside officers with his hands behind his back, folding his legs as he was piled into the back of the police van.
Another was dressed in all black and slides as he was escorted out of the property and into the cop car.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with robbery, armed robbery, obtaining property by deception and intentionally cause injury.
Another 16-year-old was charged with kidnapping, robbery, attempted robbery and intentionally cause injury.
Footage has revealed the moment a group of teenagers were arrested after allegedly using dating apps to lure men before assaulting and robbing them.
Police allege the five teenagers, aged between 16 and 18, posed as legitimate users of the platforms to lure men into meeting them.
Once there, they are then allegedly assaulted, robbed, threatened, and subjected to homophobic comments.
“The five arrests were made by the Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit last week after 11 incidents of this kind were reported to police in the Greater Dandenong area,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
Footage released by police showed the teenagers being taken from the homes across Melbourne.
Police have arrested five teenagers over the alleged scheme. Picture: Victoria Police
One teen, wearing cream chinos and a dark jumper, walked slowly alongside officers with his hands behind his back, folding his legs as he was piled into the back of the police van.
Another was dressed in all black and slides as he was escorted out of the property and into the cop car.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with robbery, armed robbery, obtaining property by deception and intentionally cause injury.
Another 16-year-old was charged with kidnapping, robbery, attempted robbery and intentionally cause injury.
SPONSORED
Polar Bear Approaches Fishermen – WatchTips and Tricks
SPONSORED
With higher-than-usual FX volatility, how do investors manage currency risk in portfolios?The Business Times
The teens were escorted from the properties and in the back of the police vans. Picture: Victoria Police
A 17-year-old was also charged with armed robbery, obtain property by deception, intentionally cause injury and sexual assault.
Two 18-year-olds from Dandenong were also charged with robbery.
One was charged with robbery, sexual assault and intentionally cause injury while the other was charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, attempted robbery, sexual assault, intentionally cause injury and obtain property by deception.
The alleged attacks are part of 113 incidents that have been reported to Victoria police since January 2024.
Currently, 50 arrests have been made in relation to alleged crimes involving dating apps.
50 arrests have been made in relation to alleged crimes involving dating apps. Picture: Victoria Police
Southern Metro Region Investigation & Response Acting Inspector Jarrod Dwyer said the behaviour of the alleged offenders would “not be tolerated”.
“This would have no doubt been a distressing situation for the (alleged) victims involved,” he said
“These arrests show just how serious we are in holding (alleged) offenders to account.”
“We take any report of the crime extremely seriously and urge anyone who has experienced this behaviour to come forward and make a report to police so we can investigate.”
The alleged incidents occurred across Melbourne. Picture: Victoria Police
In 2026, 11 alleged incidents have already been reported to police in the Greater Dandenong area, including in local government areas such as Manningham, Casey, Hume, Moorabbin and Knox.
Victoria Police are urging anyone who has experienced a similar crime to report it as they can work with the apps to track down offenders.
“It is never too late to make a report – so when you’re ready, please speak to us,” Inspector Dwyer said.
“Everyone has a right to go about their lives, meet new people and start a relationship in safety.
