Four separate Christmas Eve security alerts have been declared hoaxes.
The PSNI said that there were reports of suspicious objects in Hazelbank Road; Hillcrest Avenue; Kylemore Road and Ashbourne Park in Coleraine.
Residents had to leave their homes due to what the PSNI has branded "cowardly" actions of those who planted the hoax devices.
Detective Inspector McKenna said: “From shortly after 2am this morning, Christmas Eve, police have been dealing with a number of security alerts, which have caused disruption to a lot of families.
“Security alerts cause disruption and frustration to the community and on what should be an exciting and joyous time for families it has had an even deeper effect on those who have had to leave their homes in the early hours of this morning.
“I am disgusted by the cowardly actions of those who placed these hoax devices and who made the deliberate decision to disrupt our community in this festive season.
“Today is Christmas Eve, a day when people are making the final arrangements for Christmas day; a day when children are excited about the thought of Santa Claus coming to deliver their presents. However, whoever placed these hoax devices did not care about the upset and inconvenience they would cause. They have no thought for anyone other than themselves. Their actions are totally unacceptable.
“We share the public’s anger and frustration when incidents like this happen, but our overriding priority will always be the safety of everyone in the community.
“It is also important to remember that when we deal with security alerts, police resources can also be drawn from other calls.
“However, we are committed to keeping people safe and, while we always work to ensure disruption to the community is minimal, we will not take any chances when it comes to public safety. That is of paramount importance.
“I want to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone observed any suspicious activity in these areas or anyone who may have captured any suspicious person/persons in the area on their dash cam to call our detectives at Coleraine on 101."
