USERS of dating apps are being sent advice by police in Gloucestershire following a rise in reports of crimes carried out by strangers met online.

Since January, there have been ten recorded cases of sexual violence in the county following meetings facilitated through apps such as Tinder and Plenty of Fish compared to four in the same period last year.

Hundreds of Tinder users have been given advice by Gloucestershire Constabulary in its campaign aimed at tackling sexual violence. A webpage has also been set up specifically to provide this information.

The rise in incidents reported to police mirrors an increase which has been seen nationally.

One case reported earlier this year involved a female who felt she wanted to meet a male she was talking to.

While at this male's flat she lost consciousness after being drugged. She was then sexually assaulted without her consent.

Detective chief inspector Mark Chicken, the lead for rape and serious sexual offences, said: "My concerns around dating sites are that because people have been chatting online it makes them feel safe, but actually it's no different to meeting a stranger.

"It worries me in Gloucestershire that some people aren't taking the necessary precautions when meeting others after talking online.

"When dating apps are used, although the majority of time they're safe, online daters should take appropriate steps to make sure they stay safe.

"The message we're sending to everyone is that just because you have been swapping flirtatious messages it doesn't mean when you do meet up that sex is on the cards.

"If you have been a victim of rape or a serious sexual assault, it’s important to know it’s not your fault and I’d encourage you to talk to someone."

Every rape reported to Gloucestershire Constabulary this year, where people met through a dating app, took place at a residential property where they had met for the first time.

Louise Williams, service director at Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC), said: "With society as it is today and with modern technology there are more opportunities to meet people for relationship purposes, for social purposes or for sex.

"What we would ask you to do is think about your expectations for why you're going to meet somebody through online dating.

"Your expectations and your intentions might be completely different from theirs."