London police are out in full force to monitor St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the city's entertainment district and the residential areas around Western University and Fanshawe College.
Officers attended a joint-organization briefing Tuesday morning to map out plans for the day and are asking everyone who is celebrating to have fun, but be safe.
Hundreds had also lined up along Richmond Street early - many dressed in festive green for the occasion - waiting to get into local bars before noon.
London police Chief Brad Duncan Tweeted about St. Patrick’s Day throughout the day from his @Chief_B_Duncan account with @lpsmediaoffice also Tweeting updates on police activities.
Const. Ken Steeves explains, "We're utilizing social media quite well, and interacting with the public to let everybody know what's going on in the community."
My mid-afternoon, police had reportedly dispersed a party on Wolfe Street and another on Talbot Street.
Duncan Tweeted, "Just cleared party Talbot St - launching beer bottles from roof very stupid & dangerous. #dontinviteus2urparty!!!"
Last year just 74 provincial offence notices were handed out, compared to 274 notices in 2013.
Police have increased presence in the city over the past three years after the riots on Fleming Drive in 2012, where St. Patrick's Day revellers pelted police with bottles and torched a news vehicle.
They are also working with the University Students' Council and Fanshawe Student Union to promote the message of being a good neighbour by keeping parties in control and off the street.
