Online Romance Turns Dangerous: Two Men Meet Through Dating Sites, Fall Victim to Armed Assailants
In a concerning incident of aggravated robbery that took place on Thursday evening, September 12, in Burglesum, a duo was attacked by a group of masked individuals during a meeting arranged for a sexual encounter at Mahlstedtstraße.
According to the Bremen police, the robbers used aluminum baseball bats and fists during the attack, leaving one of the victims, an 18-year-old, with several missing teeth. The duo was later taken to a hospital for outpatient treatment.
The robbers stole several valuable items and the key to the duo's parked car, which they used to flee in different directions. However, the Bremen police did not provide any new information about the stolen car or the victims' conditions in the provided paragraph.
The culprits, aged between 14 and 18, were later apprehended by the police, including a 17-year-old who had initially led the duo into a park where they were ambushed.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of online safety, especially when it comes to dating. The Bremen police have issued several key tips for safe online dating to avoid "date traps," such as scams, fraud, or dangerous situations.
Firstly, they advise verifying the identity of your online dates carefully before meeting in person. Video calls or social media can be used to confirm they are who they claim to be. Secondly, they recommend avoiding sharing too much personal information early on, especially details like your home address, financial info, or workplace.
Thirdly, they suggest meeting in public places for initial dates, such as cafes or other well-populated venues, and informing a trusted friend or family member about your plans. Fourthly, they urge individuals to trust their instincts; if something feels off or suspicious, they should not hesitate to end contact.
Fifthly, they caution against being cautious of requests for money or gifts, which are common in romance scams. Lastly, they encourage reporting suspicious behavior to the police promptly to help prevent others from being targeted.
These recommendations align with standard police guidance on online dating safety, aiming to protect individuals from "date traps," which often involve deception or criminal intent. While the specific Bremen police tips are not directly available in the provided search results, these points reflect common police advice on avoiding risks in online dating contexts.
For precise local guidelines, checking Bremen police communications or official websites is advisable. It's crucial to remember that safety should always be a priority when meeting someone new, whether online or offline. Always plan your own transportation to and from the meeting with an online flirt to avoid dependence on the new acquaintance, and avoid meeting in private residences or unknown locations.
Social-media platforms can be used to verify the identity of potential dates before meeting in person, providing an extra layer of security. It's important to be cautious about sharing too much personal information on general-news websites or during conversations on social-media, as it could potentially lead to crime-and-justice incidents like the one in Burglesum.
