London: Men Drugged After Grindr Meetups, Then Robbed

Several men met through Grindr were drugged and then burgled at home, with one suspect arrested at Gatwick Airport.

Four burglaries, one identical method every time: a connection made on Grindr, a meeting accepted in good faith, and then a drink or a substance slipped to the victim without their knowledge before their home was cleared out while they lost consciousness or the ability to resist.

The incidents played out over several weeks, spanning the New Year holiday period into early January, across different parts of west and south London: Brentford, Hounslow, Hampton, Bromley. The Metropolitan Police suspect two men are behind the scheme.

One alleged suspect, 29, was arrested at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of aggravated assault. The second, described as Spanish-speaking, is believed by investigators to have already left the country by the time his alleged accomplice was arrested.

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses, believing other victims may exist who haven't yet come forward — a common pattern in this type of case, where the shame or confusion linked to being drugged can delay, or even prevent, a report ever being filed.