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After a surge in extortion tactics from sex predators, people using dating apps are being asked to be careful about who they match with.
According to recent data from the Australian Crime Institute, 1 in 10 app users say they have spiked their drink on a date.
But while the numbers are staggering, police believe the incident is underreported.
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“At the end of the day, we need to hold criminals accountable for their actions and that starts with reporting,” said Superintendent Jane Doherty of the NSW Police Sexual Crime Investigation Unit.
Since alcohol is the primary target drink for spikes, Doherty said people should take precautions to protect themselves.
“Be careful how much you drink and always make sure you have friends nearby when meeting someone,” she said.
“Turn on location services on your phone so your friends can track your whereabouts. Stranger please.
“Don’t leave yourself abused by others.”
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Kathleen Maltzahn of Sexual Assault Services Victoria says dating apps themselves need to take on more responsibility and the federal government needs to regulate these apps more tightly.
“Honestly, they spent 10 years trying to get this right and they haven’t done it,” Malzahn told Today.
“It’s now the government’s job to regulate them to keep people safer.”
See what else Doherty and Malzahn had to say in the video above
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