Police investigating after sinister wire trap set on popular Jarrahdale bush track

Residents have been warned to stay on the lookout after a popular trail in Perth’s south-east was turned into a potentially deadly trap for riders and bushwalkers.

Armadale police are investigating after a steel wire was strung up along a bush track near Jubb Road in Jarrahdale.

The sinister trap caught a 47-year-old mountain biker unaware on Tuesday, throwing him from his bike and leaving him with a brutal laceration to his bicep alongside some significant bruising.

Police believe the thick steel wire, tightly strung between two trees at neck and chest height, was rigged sometime around Tuesday.

Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale president Rob Coales said the shocking hidden trap was “extremely dangerous”.

“We want to make people feel safe and welcome in our community and certainly don’t want traps or things out there that will put people’s lives at risk,” he said.

One hiker along the track said it was a scary prospect.

“You don’t know what you’re gonna find out here,” he said.

But it’s not the first time this has happened.

A similar trap was set on a Willetton road in 2019, which left a victim lashed on the leg.

A seven-year-old boy was left winded on a dirt track in Mandurah in another incident.

And in 2016, a young girl going for a jog in High Wycombe ended up tangled in barbed wire.

“It has happened in the past, (but) we won’t tolerate illegal activity and we’ll be working closely with Armadale police,” Mr Coales said.

Police believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone affected to come forward and make a report.

They’re also warning anyone who uses the trail to stay vigilant.

Anyone with information related to the identity of the person(s) responsible for the trap is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online here.

Go-pro footage or digital images from the area around the time can also be uploaded to investigators via this digital evidence link.