WOULD you be able to spot barbed wire stretched dangerously across a busy road at night?
This is the question being posed by alarmed motorists who have seen youths tying wire across the Peaks Parkway – and watching as cars plough into it.
Today the police have condemned the act, branding the culprits as "highly irresponsible" and potentially putting people's lives at risk.
Concerned Grimsby resident Mellissa Findlay told how about 15 youths watched on as two others held barbed wire taut across the junction at Welholme Road, waiting for vehicles.
She said: "I don't know what they are trying to do, but it's really dangerous.
"They are risking their lives and putting drivers at risk.
"My husband managed to stop just in time.
"There was a car parked in the road just ahead of us and two lads kneeling next to the car pulling wire out from under wheels.
"They had been standing on either side of the road holding the wire for cars to hit it, and about 15 more were watching and laughing.
"It must have been a big shock to the woman in the car, who was by herself.
"She just stayed in her car. I know I wouldn't have got out and said anything, what with so many of them around.
"If we had come down the road a few minutes earlier that would have been us.
"Who knows what damage it would have caused?
"I don't know if they were trying to cause a crash – it's strange what people do for fun."
Mrs Findlay said motorists need to be aware of the dangerous actions of the youths.
She continued: "If a motorbike or cyclist had hit the wire, they would have been completely wiped out.
"Also, I dread to think what would happen if a car come along and took the lads holding the wire with them.
"I just want to warn other drivers. It's scary to think what could happen."
It is understood that this has occurred several times in area of Welholme Road, Patrick Street and Weelsby Street.
Motorist Carl Wicks told the Grimsby Telegraph he found a small stockpile of barbed wire and rope after his car ran into one of the traps.
"Youths have been tying rope across the road from lamppost to lamppost," he said.
"I hit it at 30mph. Luckily my roof bar cut straight through it, but it jolted the car.
"I stopped and untied it, and the police attended. My kids were in the car and I don't want it to happen to anyone else, so keep your eyes peeled."
Humberside Police's casualty reduction officer PC Barry Gardner said: "They are being highly irresponsible – I can't understand how they could even contemplate such actions.
"The consequences of a car or vulnerable road users, such as a motorbike or cyclist, hitting something obstructing the road would be inconceivable. Why would anyone want to do it?
"Placing something across the carriageway is a criminal offence and could cause a lot of problems.
"Humberside Police take these criminal offences very seriously and will be investigating further."
No offenders have yet been caught. If you have been affected, contact the Grimsby Telegraph newsroom on 01472 372236.
Crime news for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire
