A string of six shootings over 72 hours has left several London neighbourhoods on edge, even as long-term police data shows overall crime in the city has been trending downward.
In a release Monday, London Police said six homes across the city were struck by gunfire between early Friday and shortly after 2 a.m. Monday. Police said no one was injured and believe “all of the residences were deliberately targeted.”
The first shooting was reported just before 1 a.m. Friday near Gatewood Road and Huron Street, where police said a single round struck a front door. Police said additional homes were later hit in the areas of Rhine Avenue and Founders Row, Primrose Court and Cleveland Avenue, Banbury Road and Goodman Drive, and Kipps Lane and Arbour Glen.
Early Monday, officers spotted a black Jeep Cherokee travelling at what they described as a high rate of speed in the area of Egerton Street and Hamilton Road. Police said the SUV matched the description of a vehicle seen in connection with at least one of the shootings. After a short pursuit, police said the vehicle stopped near Wellington Road and Commissioners Road East, where two people fled on foot.
With help from the canine unit, police said an 18-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman were arrested. Police also said the Jeep had been reported stolen and that officers recovered a .22-calibre firearm. Both accused remain in custody and were scheduled to appear in court Monday.
While the weekend shootings are troubling, police data show that overall crime in London has been moving in the opposite direction.
According to the most recent London Police Service annual report, the city saw the largest decrease in the Crime Severity Index in both Ontario and Canada in 2024. LPS says reported crime fell between 2022 and 2024, while clearance rates improved. Statistics Canada says crime also declined nationally, with the police-reported crime rate dropping four per cent in 2024 and the national Crime Severity Index falling as well.
Still, the cluster of shootings highlights how isolated incidents can affect community perception despite improving statistics. In their release, police said officers have increased proactive enforcement in the affected areas and are appealing for dash-cam, residential or business surveillance footage.
“Your actions put innocent people at risk and will not be tolerated,” police said, addressing those responsible. The Major Crime Section continues to investigate.
