Mounties in North Vancouver say they are “deeply concerned” by a trio of recent incidents in which victims who thought they were going to meet up with someone they connected with on a dating app were instead confronted by “groups of young people.” The incidents occurred in late August and involved users of Grindr, according to a statement issued by the North Vancouver RCMP on Thursday, more than a month after the attacks took place. Grindr is a dating app used primarily by men who have sex with other men. Police did not share the genders or any other identifying details of the victims in the three cases. Asked whether police believe the incidents could be hate crimes, given the sexual orientations of the app’s typical users, North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson Const. Paul Reece said the motivation for the attacks is under investigation and “all avenues of inquiry” are being pursued. Reece told CTV News police believe the attackers were young people ranging in age from 16 to 20. According to Mounties, the first incident was reported on Aug. 27 and a separate incident was reported on Aug. 31. “In both instances, victims reported that they had been communicating with an individual through Grindr and agreed to meet in person,” the statement reads. “Upon arrival, both victims were confronted by groups of young people and assaulted or threatened. Both incidents also involved damage to the victims’ vehicles.” While reviewing surveillance video believed to be related to these two incidents, investigators identified a third assault that occurred on Aug. 29 and had not previously been reported, police said. They’re now working to identify the victim and “people involved” in that incident. Police said they believe all three attacks are “likely connected,” based on evidence gathered so far. “We are deeply concerned by these incidents and are pursuing all available avenues to identify those responsible,” said Reece, in the statement. “We encourage anyone with information or video that could assist our investigation to contact police.” The North Vancouver RCMP Serious Crimes Unit is “conducting an extensive CCTV canvass,” the detachment said. Investigators are specifically looking for surveillance or dash-cam video from Eldon Park on Aug. 27, Ross Road Elementary School on Aug. 29 and Lynn Valley Elementary School on Aug. 31. Police asked anyone with information or video to contact them at 604-985-1311 and quote file numbers 26-18057, 26-18481 and 26-20739. Tips can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
