Could your online date be a dangerous match?

Tuesday 02 August 2016

Police are warning women to watch out where they are picking up dates after a number of alleged sexual assaults on women using dating websites.

While the police say first dates are an exciting step in any relationship, following three complaints this Summer, they are warning women to be careful who they are meeting up with, and say they should take the following precautions:

• Don't feel pressured to meet up before you are ready;
• Always meet up in a public place;
• Tell a friend where you're going and who with;
• Don't drink too much on a first date;
• Don't be afraid to leave if it's not going well or if you feel uncomfortable;
• Never go home with anyone on a first date.

The police say you should check whether the dating site is a member of the ODA (Online Dating Association) which means the site has to commit to an industry code of practice.

You can get more safety advice here.