Deadly trap for dirtbike riders
POLICE are investigating whether disgruntled residents set deadly wire traps to stop noisy motorbikes using an unofficial dirt track in the city’s north.
Two stainless steel wires were found tied at head-height between trees in bushland near Coomera Train Station on Sunday night. The strands were 0.5mm thick.
Police suspect the traps were deliberately set to send a message to riders following a rift over noise complaints.
Coomera police Senior Sergeant Nick Sellars said police were aware of a “significant” and increasing number of noise complaints against motorbike riders but it was no excuse for residents to take the law into their own hands.
“The seriousness of the offence we’re investigating now far outweighs the noise or upset that it causes to the locals,” he said. “The act of stringing the wire between trees is very concerning for police and amounts to in certain circumstances a serious criminal offence that could be punishable by a term of imprisonment.”
Police have announced extra patrols to stamp out further sabotage.
Brady Straite, 19, had been four-wheel-driving with mates when he discovered the wire trap about 9.30pm on Sunday.
“It was the perfect height for an adult sitting on a motorbike and would have gone straight into their throat,” he said.
The first wire was found about 50m into the dirtbike track off George Alexander Way, Coomera.
The second was 20-30m further down. found
The privately owned land is popular with motorbikes and four-wheel-drivers.
Riders said the situation was extremely disturbing, particularly because the area was a favourite with families.
“For people to go to this extreme of potentially killing someone, there’s a major issue that has to come to a head,” Pimpama’s Doug Kirby said.
Mr Kirby says riders are left “with no place to go” after developers move in and new residents complain about the noise.
However, Jai Fawcett, the president of the Gold Coast Motocross Club, said the club’s track at Yatala was just minutes away and offered a legal solution to the problem.
“It’s a shame stuff like this goes on but there are facilities out there, like ours,” he said.
“It’s just the cost I think. Normally, you find people riding in the bush can’t really afford to be doing motocross as a sport.”
Members of the four-wheeldrive community spent yesterday trawling the massive area for more signs of sabotage and patrolled the tracks last night amid fears of copycats.
There are also plans to hold a community meeting with riders and members of the public later this month.