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North Vancouver RCMP are investigating a series of assaults involving victims they say were targeted through the Grindr dating app.
Police say the victims were invited to meet through the app, before being confronted by groups of young people.
“Those young people then subsequently assaulted them, threatened them and caused damage to their vehicles,” Const. Paul Reece said.
“We believe they’re the age of 16 to 20 years old.”
Two of the incidents were reported to police.
The first took place on Aug. 27 at Eldon Park, while the second took place on Aug. 29 at Ross Road Elementary School.
After reviewing security video, police identified a third incident at Lynn Valley Elementary School, on Aug. 31, and are appealing for the victim in that case to come forward.
Investigators believe the three incidents are likely connected.
Grindr is a popular app designed for 2SLGBTQ+ people, a fact that has raised alarm in the queer community.
On Thursday, the North Shore Pride Alliance issued a safety alert to community members.
While police have not commented on a possible motive in the assaults, alliance co-founder Chris Bolton raised concerns they could be a result of rising intolerance “spilling over” from the United States and online spaces.
“What if I find most concerning is that youth that are doing this,” he said. “The youth are my hope for the future.”
Bolton said he doesn’t believe the community should stop using the Grindr app, but should take precautions if they are.
Those include things like telling a friend if you are going to meet up with someone, or choosing to meet in a public place. He suggested people also arrange a quick video call with anyone they’re planning to meet up with to confirm their identity.
“There are people that are finding their true selves with through Grindr, so that’s a positive thing,” he said.
“The idea of people using that connection and spinning it around to have violence and creating that otherness … I just won’t stand for, I just can’t.”
Bolton said he has confidence the RCMP will “quash this immediately,” adding, “we don’t want copycats.”
The North Vancouver RCMP has tasked its Serious Crimes Unit to handle the investigation.
Police are asking anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or who has video recorded in the area of the three assaults on the relevant days to contact them.
