Investigation underway following robbery and assault incidents - Central Coast

Monday, 31 March 2025 05:46:50 PM

Police are investigating the assaults and robberies of three separate men over the weekend on the Central Coast.

The three men reported being lured to meetings by deceptive profiles on a male dating app in separate incidents yesterday (Sunday 30 March 2025).

The three men attended locations at the southern end of the Central Coast before they were seriously assaulted and robbed by an unknown group of people.

Inquiries into the incidents are underway by officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District.

The NSW Police Force Engagement and Hate Crime Unit was notified and have used a strong working relationship with peak LGBTIQ representative groups to assist police to reinforce and promote safety messaging around the use of the dating app within their community.

Incidents of bias-related crimes – motivated by perceptions of sexuality or gender – are treated seriously by the NSW Police Force.

Anyone who may be a victim or witness of a hate related crime is encouraged to report the matter to police or LGBTIQ Liaison Officers so it can be investigated.

Reports can also be made anonymously online via Crimestoppers or via phone on 1800 333 000.

All users of dating apps are urged to take precautions when meeting people in person, such as meeting in a busy public place, sharing your location with a friend, asking for additional photos or a video chat, trusting your instincts if something feels off, and in an emergency, calling Triple Zero (000) immediately.

It is important that the community and police continue to work together to make NSW a safer place for everyone.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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