From screws in tyres to broken glass: Cyclists and drivers targeted by 'road rage' traps
Cyclists and motorists in suburbs across Brisbane’s south are fearing for their safety after finding traps laid out on popular roads and bike paths in what they believe is an extreme case of road rage.
Thumbtacks, screws and broken glass are being spread out, leading to dozens of punctures and fears of serious injury.
Barry Fields, from Jax Tyres in Yeerongpilly, has pulled dozens of screws from tyres in the space of a few weeks.
“Probably six times as many as what we usually have – all the same sort of objects in the tyres as well,” Mr Fields said.
Frustrated drivers all have the same story to tell, experiencing flat tyres after driving through the same location on Brisbane Corso. Many of the tyres have cost up to $500 to replace.
“The other day we had four ladies in – all lived in the same street,” Mr Fields said.
His tyre store has also become a target as he believes someone is using a slingshot to send marbles through his windows each week.
“If it’s malicious, it’s a really dangerous thing to be doing,” Mr Fields told 7 News.
Cyclists several suburbs over to the east say they are also being targeted along popular Birkdale bikeways.
“I’ve had it several times myself,” Rival Bikes Owner John Williams said.
Victims say they are not just dodging nails and screws but thumbtacks, broken glass bottles and strips of metal being laid out as traps.
More recently they have reported finding traps resembling a builder’s tack or a trim tack.
“It’s a life-endangering offence and we do hope to see the police crackdown and catch this person,” Bicycle Queensland CEO Anne Savage said.
Fed-up drivers are finding the only solution for now is avoiding big sections of road.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.
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