A series of sinister attacks over the last few weeks have left the victims - mainly Polish people - fearful of remaining in the area. It is believed that some have now made plans to relocate as soon as possible.
Newtownabbey police have appealed to the public to assist them in stamping out the recent spate of racist attacks in Rathcoole. In a bid to thwart the ongoing incidents, a meeting took place between community workers, local politicians and the PSNI this week.
House windows have been smashed, cars damaged and, according to a Times source, one Polish man was attacked close to his home.
A Rathcoole resident, who did not want to be named, said: "One family had all but one of their windows smashed. Another family who have young children had their car attacked and their house windows smashed as the children slept upstairs. Fearing for their lives, they are now looking to move."
Ken Wilkinson of the Progressive Unionist Party said he believed the incidents are being 'orchestrated'.
"It's intimidation in every way. It's racism, spelt with a capital 'R' and it is sad that we have a few louts creating issues in the estate," he said.
"Some of these families have lived in the area for upwards of three years. If these people are doing this in the name of loyalism then this isn't what it's about. It's simply not acceptable. I believe these attacks are orchestrated and I totally condemn it."
Mr Wilkinson said he believed crowds of young people, some as young as 13 or 14, are behind the attacks.
"The parents have a responsibility here. It's also a community issue and the people in Rathcoole need to stand up and be counted because maybe the next time it won't be stones or bricks going through these families' windows, it could be petrol bombs."
He added: "It's sad to hear about this kind of activity when you see the amount of work going on in this area."
Newtownabbey councillor Tommy Kirkham said the attacks were not limited to foreign nationals, claiming several other local residents' cars have also been damaged.
"We have met with the police and we have discussed the possibility of rekindling the Newtownabbey Race Relations Forum. People need to work together to bring a resolution to this," he said.