Women Across Causeway Coast And Glens Demand Answers From PSNI Over Unsettling Incidents

Women in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough, particularly Coleraine, are calling for a public meeting to demand clarity from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) over recent incidents that have raised significant community concern.

Women have reported to the PSNI that they were followed by an unidentified male—a claim that has led to formal submissions.

While it remains unconfirmed whether the same individual is responsible for these incidents, the reports have sparked significant concerns about personal safety in the area.

A separate incident has only deepened the sense of unease. A resident off Strand Road in Coleraine recently discovered a rucksack and bicycle abandoned behind her garage. According to reports, the bag contained items that have alarmed locals, including cable ties, blue surgical gloves, condoms, a change of clothes, and a balaclava.

Local politicians have been quick to comment on the situation, yet a grassroots campaign has brought these stories to the fore. Women across the borough have chosen to share their experiences through Causeway Coast Women, an online lifestyle magazine.

Editor Gillian Anderson explained, “Our platform offers a space where local voices can be heard without the filter of mainstream media. By speaking openly about these incidents, we aim to foster a community dialogue and ensure accountability.”

Community members are now calling for a public meeting to directly question PSNI representatives about how the reports are being handled and what measures are in place to ensure their safety.

One local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We need transparency. It’s not enough to be told that an investigation is ongoing; we want to know the concrete steps being taken to protect our community.”

A PSNI spokesperson said "Following a report from a member of the public, police in Coleraine seized a bicycle and a bag containing a number of items which were located on the Strand Road area of the town on Thursday, 13th February.

"The investigation is ongoing and police are progressing a number of lines of enquiries. At this time we do not have any information linking the bag to any burglaries in the area, however, we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances. We are also continuing to follow lines of enquiry to identify the owner of the bag.

"There is increased police patrolling in the area, with officers providing a visible policing presence. Police would appeal to anyone who might have any information which could assist them to contact 101 and quote reference number 377 of 13/02/25."