Be careful if you’re looking for love: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police have issued safety tips for anyone looking for love. 

Constable Patti Cote said dating is already tough, even without criminals in the mix. 

“A lot of people [use] online dating apps. The OPP want to remind people to be vigilant when they're swiping, clicking, and talking to people.”

Cote said you need to get to know someone before meeting them in person.

“We don't want anybody to disclose personal information before meeting in person. If you do feel comfortable to meet someone – do it in public, especially if it's the first time. If things are going well, you still need to be careful if you're inviting them back to your home.”

Cote advised that you should also tell someone close to you that you're going on a date with somebody new.

“Let them know where you're going to be and what your plans are. If you have a cellphone, make sure it's with you. It's also probably a good idea to stay sober and have a clear mind when you're with somebody new, because we wouldn't want you to make a decision that you might regret.”

If you are going to enjoy an alcoholic bevarage, Cote said you need to keep it with you at all times so it can't be tampered with.

You can see all the safety tips from OPP below. 

• Get to know the other person before meeting them offline 
• Don't disclose personal information before meeting in person
• Always meet in public 
• Meet for the first time in a populated, public location – never in a private or remote location, and never at your date's residence 
• Stay in a public place – it's best not to go back to your date's home or bring them back to yours on the first date. If your date pressures you, end the date and leave at once 
• Tell a friend – inform a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you're going
• If you own a cell phone, make sure you have it with you
• Stay sober – keep a clear mind and avoid doing anything that would impair your judgment or cause you to make a decision you could regret
• Drive yourself to and from the first meeting – just in case things don't work out, you need to be in control of your own ride – even if you take a taxi
• Keep personal items with you at all times – you don't want to risk having personal information stolen 
• If you're drinking, keep your drink with you at all times so it can't be tampered with

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