Richmond RCMP are appealing for help after a sinister trap was found embedded into a school sports field.
Police responded to a report around noon on Sunday of a trap — packed full of large nails protruding upwards — discovered by a student in the grounds of Steveston London secondary.
The device, which is homemade according to police, is understood to have a plastic base, is around 40 millimetres deep, wide and long and was partially concealed by the grass on the field.
Police are taking the matter very seriously, as the device, in their opinion, was placed in such a way to cause significant harm to anyone who stepped or fell on it.
“It was purposely concealed with grass and placed in a busy foot traffic area,” said acting Corp. Dennis Hwang, of Richmond RCMP.
“It’s the safety of the people and pets that use this area that concern us. If you come across any similar traps in any schools or parks, please contact police. Do not remove or disturb the trap.”
The area was being swept by a school district grounds crew on Tuesday to ensure no other such contraptions were lying in wait for students or anyone using the sports fields.
Richmond School District spokesperson David Sadler told the News that PE classes at the school would not be taking place until the area was deemed safe.
At the moment, police have no leads on suspects or a motive and are asking anyone with information to contact Const. Thomas Boyce at Richmond RCMP on 604-278-1212.
To leave a tip on this crime or any other, please email [email protected] or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Sadler added that, as is the case with Richmond RCMP, the school and its principal couldn’t think of a reason why someone would deliberately place such a harmful device on a sports field.
Richmond RCMP say the incident could be the first of its kind in the city, with no previous matching file on record.
