The discovery of a rucksack containing a balaclava, hammer, cable ties, condoms and a sex toy has prompted an increased police presence in a Co Derry town.
The woman who made the discovery has urged others in the Coleraine area to be on high alert. The PSNI, meanwhile, has promised a "visible policing presence" with "increased patrolling" in the area.
A police spokesperson has confirmed that a bicycle and a bag "containing a number of items" have been seized.
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A DUP MLA, meanwhile, met with police and said he has been "assured" the case is under "active investigation, with the recovered items undergoing forensic examination".
Former Justice Minister Claire Sugden, an independent MLA for the area, also urged women in the area to "stay aware of your surroundings" and to "trust your gut" and report anything suspicious to police.
Speaking to local site Causeway Coast Women, the woman who found the bag said: "Someone in our community is out there with a bad intent towards a woman."
She said the rucksack was found in the Strand Road area of the town.
"I went to the bottom of the garden, and at the back of our garage was a bicycle and a plastic bag with clothes and shoes, so I called the police on Thursday," she said. "In it was a rucksack which contained a hammer, cable ties, about 20 pairs of blue disposable gloves, a rubber or plastic-type mask, condoms, and a sex toy. There was also a change of clothes and a balaclava.
"Whoever left that there had some sort of malicious intent in mind."
She added: "I don’t want to scaremonger; I just want to warn women in our community to be alert. It’s getting ridiculous in this town that women don’t feel safe anywhere."
Sinn Fein councillor Niamh Archibald, meanwhile, said: "I spoke to the Police 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.
"They have confirmed they are treating it very seriously and have increased patrols in the area."
She added: "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."
A spokesperson for the PSNI 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."
The spokesperson added: "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."
DUP MLA Maurice Bradley, in a statement, said he had been "assured by the PSNI that the case is under active investigation, with the recovered items undergoing forensic examination".
He urged the public to "refrain from unnecessary speculation, as doing so may only increase anxiety within the community. Instead, he encourages anyone with information to come forward and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation."
He added: "I have been assured that there is an increased police patrolling in the area with officers providing a visible policing presence."
Independent MLA Claire Sugden said: "Please stay safe when walking alone, especially at night. Try to keep to well lit areas; make sure to let someone know where you’re going or better still, walk with someone. Stay aware of your surroundings and be careful using headphones which makes it harder to hear what’s going on around you. If you notice anything suspicious, however small it may seem, trust your gut and report to police on 101 or using their online system. All information is good."
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