Two teenage boys have been arrested over a series of alleged homophobic assaults on men who had allegedly been lured and preyed upon via a dating app in Western Australia.
Police said the first incident unfolded when a man in his 30s began chatting with the accused teens on an app, before a meeting place was arranged about 1am yesterday.
The victim arrived at a Stillwater Gardens location in South Lake location, where he was allegedly approached by a group who verbally abused him, according to police.
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Police said the victim ran to his car and locked the doors before the group allegedly surrounded him.
The group allegedly damaged the car’s rear boot and side panel, before attempting to steal the car.
Rocks were thrown at the car as the victim drove away, causing significant damage to the windscreen, police confirmed.
A second victim, a man in his 30s, was targeted a short time later at the same location.
He had arranged to meet someone via a dating app.
When he went to meet, police allege he was surrounded by a group who physically and verbally assaulted him before stealing his jacket and car keys.
The group fled the area in the victim’s vehicle.
The victim suffered a large cut to his elbow and bruising to his back and ribs following the alleged attack.
Police executed a search warrant in South Lake about 4.40pm yesterday, where a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy were arrested.
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The pair have been charged with offences including aggravated armed robbery and attempted aggravated robbery.
Police said the victims were targeted and subjected to homophobic slurs during the alleged assaults.
“We know this has been a distressing situation for the victims involved,” Detective Inspector Matt Froude said.
“We take this behaviour extremely seriously and there is no place for this kind of targeted violence in our community.
“While incidents of this nature are rare, we treat them with the utmost seriousness and we encourage victims to come forward so we can investigate.”
Froude urged anyone who is meeting someone ovaer a dating app, to meet in a well-lit place with plenty of people around.
“Let your family and friends know where you are going and who you are arranging to meet,” he said.
“Some of these apps have built in safety features that allow you to share your live location with trusted contacts for added security during meet ups.”
The 15-year-old and the 16-year-old are due to appear before the Perth Children’s Court today.
QLife — counselling and referral service for LGBTIQA+ individuals: call 1800 184 527 or chat online.
If have believe you have been a victim, or if you know someone who has been targeted, please contact police on 131 444, or report the information via the Safe2Say online reporting platform.
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