Homemade spikes scattered on running trail near Toronto

Police are appealing for information and are urging the public to take extra care after homemade spikes were found scattered across a running trail in Lake Macquarie yesterday.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to Alexanders Trail in Lake Macquarie State Conservation Park at Bolton Point, near Toronto, about 12.40pm (Monday 20 January 2020), when a runner found the devices.

Officers have been told the man was running the trail about 11.40am when he noticed a pile of leaves piled in the middle of the track.

Hidden in the leaves the man found wine corks with nails protruding from them, similar to historic weapons known as ‘caltrops’.

The man continued along the trail and found a further two piles hiding more spikes.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified a short time later and attended the location.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the items has commenced and police are urging anyone who may have information or noticed suspicious activity in the area to contact Toronto Police Station on (02) 4088 1099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Inquiries continue.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or http://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.