London police are offering few details about ongoing police activity in the University Heights neighbourhood, where officers have remained stationed outside a home on Chesham Avenue since Saturday morning. Residents say the prolonged police presence is unusual and concerning. “This is not the norm, that’s for sure,” said a nearby resident. Stephen Waite, who lives across the street, says at one point as many as seven police vehicles were parked on the street, with officers maintaining a constant presence around the home. Just before noon Monday, police blocked off Chesham Avenue to traffic. A bobcat was later brought onto the property, followed by city crews salting the area around the house. A tent could also be seen set up in the backyard, with police remaining on site. The activity has drawn the attention of nearby students, including those living close to Western University. “I live just down the street, and I’m not too concerned, but I’m skeptical,” said student Emily Berlinghoff. “Why are there police cars in the area? And also, some of the buildings on campus, there’s been a bigger police presence — the engineering buildings.” Over the weekend, London police confirmed officers were also responding to reports of a trespasser at nearby Western University. Police say one individual remains in custody. In a statement to CTV News, Western University says all engineering buildings were closed Saturday due to an active police investigation. It remains unclear whether the investigation at the Chesham Avenue home is connected to the police activity at Western University. London police say there is no risk to public safety at this time. However, some residents say the lack of information is unsettling. “Being told the public is not at risk, but obviously something is going on,” Waite said. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
