Cranbrook shaken by fishing line trap on path

The Cranbrook community has been shaken by the discovery of a fishing line trap strung across a footpath near the primary school last week. Cranbrook Police Station officer-in-charge Sgt Laurie Seton said police were told about the trap about 2pm last Wednesday by the Shire of Cranbrook gardening crew, who drove into the fishing line. “They got out and had a look and it was basically strung between the fence and some trees across the main footpath leading to the school,” he said. “The first thing we did was get straight on to the school. “Within 10 minutes they had a quick assembly and warned all the kids to be careful and keep their eyes open when they’re going home. “At this stage we have no idea if it was a young person being silly or a malicious act by an adult.” According to Sgt Seton, it was a particularly heavy fishing line, and while it was set fairly low, it could have caused serious harm to a child. “Particularly if you had a six or seven-year-old going to school on a scooter or something, it could have easily ridden up their body, on to their throat and put them in hospital,” he said. “We’ve done some follow-up checks over the last couple of days, just to make sure that the footpaths are safe, and we’ve appealed to the public for assistance. “People in these towns enjoy feeling safe. They enjoy knowing their kids can walk to school safely.” Cranbrook Primary School principal Beth Slater said she was shocked and disappointed by the discovery. “We’ve had a talk with the children and parents to be careful, and we just hope that something like that doesn’t happen again,” she said. Anyone with information is urged to call Cranbrook police on 9826 1102.