Gang believed to be targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community
Police believe there may be more victims who have not come forward
January 30, 2023
A Brentford man was drugged after meeting someone on a gay dating site and then had his property stolen in what is believed to have been a spate of drug-enabled burglaries.
It was one of four cases the police have identified so far in which the suspects administered a noxious substance to their victim to commit thefts. The other offences took place in Hampton, Hounslow and Bromley. The incidents are reported to have taken place between Saturday, 31 December 2022 and Monday, 9 January.
It is believed that the victims are identified through Grindr and then, either working together or separately, the suspects render them unconscious and take their belongings.
Each victim suffered no lasting effects and all are engaging with officers to support the investigation.
The suspects are described as a black male of large build and a slimmer, tanned white male, both speaking Spanish, who are now believed to have left the country. The police are liaising with law enforcement in other countries to locate them.
The police are anxious to contact other victims and raise awareness of the suspects' intentions.
Detective Superintendent Dan O’Sullivan said, “We believe other victims may have been targeted between the New Year period and the 9th January, however for personal reasons may not have wanted to report it. If you have been a victim, you can report in confidence to us or speak to an officer from the LGBTQ+ community.
"Although the suspects have fled the country and the risk to the community is reduced, we are continuing to engage with our partners and those from LGBT Independent advisory groups.”
If you have been a victim or have information that may help the investigation, please call 101 and reference Operation Cavendish."
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