Police Warn Online Daters To Be Careful After Man Robbed And Assaulted

Police are reminding users of online dating websites and apps after a man was robbed and assaulted in Brisbane.

Queensland police said in a statement, that while new tech can give people a chance to meet new people, it can also provide opportunities for criminals.

A 35-year-old Brisbane man was assaulted and robbed after meeting up with someone he had only previous interacted with online.

Police say when the pair met in East Brisbane on October 23, the 35-year-old was assaulted by the man, and two other people who had accompanied him, an unknown woman and man.

He was punched and hit with a baseball bat before managing to break free and flee. The man attended hospital and obtained treatment for bruising and swelling to his face and head.

Following police investigations, a 21-year-old man was arrested at a Highgate Hill address on October 29 and charged with one count of armed robbery in company using personal violence. He has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 26.

Police investigations into the incident are continuing and remind people that placing any personal data on websites or uploading profiles to smart phone applications, including dating sites, can potentially leave users vulnerable to becoming a target.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

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