Police step up patrols in town after reports of stalker and a rucksack being found containing cable ties and balaclava
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.
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.
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 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.”
by billyblobthornton
21 comments
Dennis Reynolds on the loose in Coleraine 😱
Is it really true that NI is rally the most misogynist place in Europe, why is this?
Any physical description of this man so people can stay safe?
Locking up women again. Jesus this is crazy. No woman should have to be herded like sheep into a fold because rapey-wolf-alert. Someone should do a stakeout, grassroots the fucker. Women are not second class citizens, some bastard strutting about with a hardon for predation should be given a hiding and exposed to the public.
Every woman should legally be allowed to carry bear mace and a set of knuckle dusters. Place is going mad.
This probably won’t be popular and I 100 percent appreciate the real dangers out there for women it’s sickening. But I can’t help but feel this bag was left to put the fear in the community, women especially. With there being condoms in the bag to emphasise it’s a rape bag but it would be a very considerate rapist.
Why not give these types of people the death penalty? Seriously, what do they add to society? Although, I would honestly prefer if they were used as labour like in the USA – except for building roads and infrastructure instead of whatever they do over there.
So they found a rape kit or possibly a murder kit. Serial killers would leave kits in different places for easy access for when they were on the hunt. Very worrying indeed.
I’ve been stopped by cops several times out walking the past few weeks, seen them around town stopped to talk to other fellas on their own as well. Good to see they’re actually taking stuff like this seriously but it’s mad the uptick in violence towards women recently
https://preview.redd.it/jha6joj3p4ke1.png?width=598&format=png&auto=webp&s=81d439657dbe0852a2afd0506e2a96bdfc0549ab
Wondering if an especially bright and powerful flashlight might be a useful thing to carry if it’s dark it could light up a 1km or so but you’d have to be careful up close it could blind and be a real nuisance catching the attention of anybody nearby and I guess they are kind of heavy also.
I hope none of you ladies get attacked but if you do , a boot in the balls will disable any man, hopefully enough to escape.
Jesus Christ what kind of whackos are there about like….
Be vigilant ladies! And never ever forget Sarah Everard when it comes to police patrols!
That’s some Ted Bundy behavior right there
Pepper spray may be illegal, but a can of Deep Heat isn’t. You’re welcome ladies, stay safe
Wonder if it is the same guy that was attacking women in Derry few months ago.
Prob the fella that was creeping around in the yellow suit
Hopefully there is DNA evidence on that bike and bag.
Hopefully there is DNA evidence on that bike and bag.
Unrelated to the substance of the article but I really hate when people use the current year as justification for why things should be a certain way.
Quality of life increases in the western world over the last 100 years don’t necessarily change the fact that many people are a hair’s breadth from being literal savages.
Cara Hunter MLA says ” please contact 101 if you feel unsafe”. Yeah right! Wait 45 min for a answer. Call 999 not 101. Ffs Cara.
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