A group of St. Patrick's Day revellers lined up outside of The Ceeps on Richmond Row, March 17, 2017. (Photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News.)A group of St. Patrick's Day revellers lined up outside of The Ceeps on Richmond Row, March 17, 2017. (Photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News.)
London

Few St. Patrick's Day Charges Laid

Proactive policing seems to have once again helped to curb rowdy St. Patrick's Day celebrations in London.

On Monday, London police released statistics from Friday's Irish holiday.

According to the numbers, one person was arrested on criminal charges, another person was hit with drug charges, and a third person was charged with trespassing. Police say there were also 52 Liquor Licence Act violations and 20 Highway Traffic Act charges laid.

There was a total of ten bylaw infractions - five for public nuisance, two for public urination, and three unspecified acts. Officers also gave 123 warnings to people throughout the day.

Overcrowding at local bars and pubs was an issue, with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario issuing warnings to 15 establishments.

The only major incident of the day came when a person, who had been drinking at a party, fell down an embankment behind a home on Ridout St. Injuries were not believed to be serious.

The police Twitter account was among the most popular on the social media site, as officers using the hashtag #dontinviteus2urparty provided updates about house parties they were shutting down.

Revellers were warned of increased police patrols in the downtown, and in neighbourhoods around Western University and Fanshawe College leading up to the day.

Police began the proactive approach to St. Patrick's Day festivities following the 2012 riot on Fleming Dr, near Fanshawe College. More than 1,000 booze fueled partiers hurled bottles and other objects at police and set fire to a TV news truck.

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