WATCH: Drug needles found beside public toilets in Limavady
Limavady woman Zoe Thompson discovered around ten used needles discarded behind the toilets at the entrance to the Main Street car park earlier today
A Limavady woman has expressed anger after she found needles linked to drug use dumped outside public toilets in the town.
Zoe Thompson discovered around ten used needles discarded behind the toilets at the entrance to the Main Street car park earlier today (Tuesday).
Ms Thompson said she was outraged to find the syringes dumped in a public area, which is also close to North West Regional College.
“I got out of the car beside the public toilets and noticed these needles lying there. It really shocked me and I was worried about what could potentially happen if a child had come across them as they were in such a public area. There is a carwash beside it and people are walking along here all the time,” she said.
The grim find comes just a week after used needles were found discarded on a public walkway used by children living near Ballykelly.
The needles, which were found on the subway which runs under the Clooney Road outside Ballykelly, were later removed by council workers.
Ms Thompson said that it's concerning that open drug taking is happening in the area.
“It concerns me that this is happening on my own doorstep and it appears to be getting worse,” she said.
“I believe this dirt should be kept off our streets to keep our children safe.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police have received a report of drug materials being located in the vicinity of Main Street, Limavady, on Tuesday 2nd June.
“The items were subsequently collected for disposal.
“Police would advise anyone finding a syringe or needle, to not touch it but contact police or their local council who will dispose of it safely.
“Officers would also remind those who use needles of the risks to others that they cause by discarding these items so wantonly. Such items can be dangerous, especially to younger children who may not be aware of what they have found.
“Police will continue to use high visibility, targeted patrols and every method at our disposal to disrupt and arrest drug dealers involved in the sale and supply of drugs, and put them before the courts.
“Drug and substance misuse and dealing is a policing priority and police will continue to work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity.
“Police are asking everyone for their support and co-operation in tackling this problem through the criminal justice system.
“We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action. Ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.”