Women in Coleraine have been urged to stay vigilant as police increase patrols following two disturbing incidents in recent days.
Reports emerged on social media of a woman being followed by a man in the Strand Road area of the town.
A second incident was reported to the PSNI after a woman discovered a rucksack and a bicycle behind her garage in the same area.
The rucksack contained cable ties, blue surgical gloves, condoms, a change of clothes, a balaclava and other items.
The PSNI said: “Following a report from a member of the public, police in Coleraine have seized a bicycle and a bag containing a number of items which were located in the Strand Road area of the town on February 13.
“The investigation is ongoing and police are progressing a number of lines of enquiry.
“There has been an increased policing presence in the area, with officers visibly on enhanced patrols, which will continue.”
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Claire Sugden MLA said the incidents had left local women on edge.
Both took place near a primary school in an area she knows well.
She added: “It’s scary, it has definitely given rise to anxiety about the town.
“When I lived in Coleraine, I would have walked around that area by myself with my dog and I wouldn’t have thought anything of it.
“It would have never occurred to me to feel unsafe at any point.
“Nowadays I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that, even with a big German Shepherd beside me.
“I think that’s something a lot of women feel now — they don’t feel safe to walk around at night alone, or even during the day for some.”
Ms Sugden urged women “to be careful, to walk in pairs, avoid walking at night and don’t listen to loud music (on headphones), so you can be aware of your surroundings”.
She said: “I think it’s awful I’m actually giving that advice in 2025, but unfortunately that is what’s happening.”
She has been in contact with police and was assured they are taking the incidents seriously.
Claire Sugden MLA
The MLA added: “A larger police presence in the area can really help reassure women and just make them feel a bit more safe in the area, as well as deterring violent behaviour.”
Local self-defence instructor Peter McClay has offered classes for those who may feel uneasy.
Ms Sugden said: “Peter has done that before and it is great to see men and women coming together to address issues like this and provide self-defence training for women who feel they need it.”
Taking to social media on Tuesday after details of the most recent incident emerged, Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Niamh Archibald advised anyone with safety concerns to contact the police.
“I spoke to the police this morning in relation to reports of suspicious activity in the Strand Road area including the finding of a bag which contained cable ties, a change of clothes and a balaclava among other items,” she said.
“They have confirmed they are treating it very seriously and have increased patrols in the area.
“I would encourage everyone to be vigilant and report anything suspicious in the area or any information, no matter how small, to the police to help with their investigation.”
Cara Hunter, SDLP MLA for East Londonderry. Picture: Martin McKeown
Cara Hunter MLA, also posting on social media, said: “This is greatly concerning.
“I have spoken with constituents about this today and will be working with local community voices, local police and other political representatives to address this issue this week and next.
“Understandably, women in the area will be concerned.
“Please contact 101 if you feel unsafe, and know that your elected representatives take your safety very seriously.”
Yesterday evening the PSNI posted an update, saying: “Police are aware there have been recent posts on social media regarding reports of a suspicious male in the Coleraine area.
“In response the mobile police station is being deployed.
“If you see it parked up, please stop and report any concerns or information you may have.”
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