UNSANCTIONED STREET PARTY TASK FORCE UPDATE

UNSANCTIONED STREET PARTY TASK FORCE UPDATE 

LONDON, ON (September 26, 2023) - It was a busy weekend for the London Police Service (LPS), along with community partners, responding to unsanctioned gatherings throughout the city. Large gatherings took place at a number of locations, including on Broughdale Avenue, Mill Street, Huron Street, Mayfair Crescent and Epworth Avenue throughout the day and evening Saturday.

It is estimated that a total of approximately 10,000 people were in attendance on those streets throughout the day, with approximately 7000 people remaining in attendance as the evening wore on, necessitating the closure of several roads, including Broughdale and Epworth avenues, at times, to ensure the safety of those in the area. 

“While the majority of young people in attendance were cooperative with police, fire and paramedic services throughout the day, during the evening hours the crowd behaviour showed notable changes as the day progressed,” says Inspector Ryan Scrivens, of the London Police Service. “Later into the night, members of the crowd threw projectiles, including cans and bottles, toward both our officers and police vehicles and demonstrated other acts of violence. Some members of the crowd damaged property including a police vehicle, removed street signs and trees from the ground, and several partygoers were observed jumping from rooftops.  Some of these behaviours had the potential for life-changing consequences. We are fortunate that we did not have any serious injuries. We would like to thank our officers, community partners, and out-of-town partner agencies (including officers from Windsor, York and Hamilton), for helping throughout the day and evening.”

Enforcement numbers:

• 38 Liquor Licence Control Act charges
• 16 Highway Traffic Act charges
• 249 Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs), including public nuisance parties, excessive noise and parking charges
• 10 By-law charges
• Two (2) Criminal Code charges – assault with a weapon and possession of property obtained by crime 

In addition to the charges above, numerous verbal warnings were issued to individuals as officers worked to control the crowd, and ensure the safety of participants, the community and officers. 

London Health Sciences Centre is reporting a total of 31 patients were treated in relation to these unsanctioned gatherings. 

For media inquiries, contact: 

A/Sgt. Sandasha Bough
Media Relations Officer
C. 519-854-8576
Email. Media Officer