Lug nut ‘prank’ could have deadly consequences, Georgina resident says

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 17, 2015
By Heidi Riedner

A dangerous “prank” with potentially fatal consequences has one Keswick subdivision on high alert.

That’s because for the second time in recent months, someone is going through the Simcoe Landing neighbourhood in the south end of town loosening the lug nuts on tires, according to residents.

“I’m just glad I caught it before something bad happened,” says Jason Brook, who was driving in the Hwys. 404 and 401 area when he noticed there was a problem with his vehicle.

While the longtime mechanic with 24 years of experience with GM says the person or people responsible may consider the vandalism a joke, Brook says it’s not funny.

He adds the perpetrators should realize their “prank” could end up seriously injuring or killing someone.

Missing or loose lug nuts can lead to wheel separations.

While a majority of resulting accidents are from a detached wheel bouncing along a roadway until it impacts oncoming traffic, a percentage result from the detached wheel hitting pedestrians or causing the vehicle itself to overturn and/or crash.

“You would have no control of your vehicle,” Brook says. “It is extremely dangerous, potentially fatal and would hit you out of nowhere.”

Because checking on your vehicle’s lug nuts - and knowing what to look for - isn’t necessarily what most people add to their early morning commute routine, Brook has offered to check his neighbours’ tires if they are concerned.

“I don’t want to see anyone seriously hurt or killed because of what someone thinks is fun.”

He’s also encouraging anyone who has had their vehicle tampered with to either contact York Regional Police or fill out a mischief report online.

“It not only helps identify a problem, but could also be helpful to any potential investigation,” he said.

York Regional Police encourages residents to report these types of incidents, which could potentially be a criminal mischief incident depending on the circumstances.

If no suspect is known, a report could be done quickly and easily online on its website.

Not only would the report be followed up on by an investigator, but this kind of information also helps officers know what is going on in their patrol areas and focus more time and attention where it might be most needed, a YRP spokesperson said.

While his main concern is safety, Brook said he just wants to get the word out and, if possible, catch the culprit(s).

“This isn’t a funny gag,” Brook said.