Police in Strabane and safety partners have urged the public to stop tampering with life-saving water rescue equipment after reports of theft and damage along local waterways.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Community Rescue Service (CRS) and Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) warned that removing or interfering with throw lines, lifebuoys and safety signage endangers lives in Strabane and surrounding areas, including the canal.

Sergeant Johnston from Strabane Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "We’re into the summer months, and now is another timely opportunity to remind the public how important throw lines, lifebuoys and signage are. They’re strategically placed at various locations along our waterways, and they’re there for a reason. A throw line could be the difference between life and death for someone, who may be in difficulty in the water."

He added: "This equipment has a very clear purpose, and that's to help save lives. It's not a toy, something to be played with. For a person to fall into the water and not have access to life-saving equipment does not bear thinking about.”

Highlighting recent incidents, Ivan Barr, Western District Commander, Community Rescue Service, said the theft and destruction of life-saving equipment along local waterways, including Strabane canal, is "completely unacceptable". @These are not acts of harmless vandalism, they are direct attacks on the safety and wellbeing of our entire community. The canal is a place where people come to walk, reflect and find relief from the pressures of everyday life. By removing or damaging emergency equipment, those responsible are putting lives at risk. One day, someone in genuine need may be denied the chance of survival because the equipment they depend on has been stolen or destroyed.

"We urge those involved to stop and consider the devastating consequences of their actions. If a life is lost because this equipment is unavailable, the impact will be felt not only by the victim's family, but by the wider community, and by those responsible and their own families. Think before it's too late. Protect our community, don't endanger it."

Alderman Darren Guy, Chair of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), said throw lines, lifebuoys and signage are installed along riverside walks "for one reason only – to save lives in an emergency".

"When this equipment is vandalised, stolen or interfered with, it's not a victimless act," said Alderman Guy. "It puts real people at real risk, and it comes at a cost to replace which could be better spent elsewhere in our community. On behalf of the PCSP, I would urge everyone to treat this equipment with the respect it deserves. If you witness damage taking place, or become aware of anyone involved in this behaviour, please report it to police on 101.

"We all have a part to play in keeping our waterways safe, and that means ensuring this equipment is there, ready to be used, the moment someone needs it."