Warning to people using dating apps after Grimsby man arrested on suspicion of serious sexual assault
Police are warning people to be careful.
Those looking for love online are today being warned to take precautions after Grimsby man was arrested on suspicion of a serious sexual assault on a woman he met via a dating app.
The 27-year-old was arrested in connection with the allegation yesterday. He remains in police custody at this time and an investigation has been launched.
Today officers from the force cyber crime unit are highlighting the case as part of an ongoing drive to highlight the potential dangers around online dating.
Earlier this year, the National Crime Agency’s Serious Crime Analysis Section (SCAS) identified a significant increase in the number of reports to UK police forces about serious sexual assaults carried out by offenders who have met their victims through online dating.
Most of these assaults take place the first time they meet face-to-face and it is feared that potential victims are being lured into letting their guard down – not thinking of those they meet as strangers.
Detective Inspector Rich Osgerby said:
"Online relationships tend to progress far more quickly that those offline, as people feel more able to be more open and emotionally honest."
"The result of this is that individuals may then have a sense of being at more advanced stage in the relationship by the time they meet the person face-to-face and no longer regard them as a stranger, even though it is the first time they are meeting."
"This can lead to individuals taking more risks than they otherwise would and putting themselves into more vulnerable situations."