Residents of the Clemens Mill got a surprise last night when a large police presence came swarming through the normally quiet neighbourhood.
On Dec. 29, at approximately 5:30 p.m., police responded to the area of Burnett Avenue and Saginaw Parkway after receiving a call threatening to commit acts of violence.
Police could be seen racing down Robson Avenue and its connecting streets, but WRPS information officer Chris Iden assures the community that there is no threat to public safety.
"Through investigation, officers determined that the call was a false report intended to initiate an emergency response. There are no ongoing concerns for public safety," WRPS said in a press release.
These "swatting calls" are false claims of horrific acts of violence or threats of violence to initiate a large-scale police response.
Just last month, police arrested a 15-year-old from Kitchener who made at least 13 swatting calls over the past six months.
Calls from the teen resulted in the closure of schools and the cancellation of events.
In one instance, the caller said they were planning a mass shooting during Canada Day celebrations in Kitchener. In another, the teen said they had plans to shoot individuals and detonate a pipe bomb at a Kitchener shopping centre, said WRPS inspector, Kyle Lambert during a press conference.
Police continue to investigate to determine who was responsible for the call and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777.
Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
Waterloo Regional Police would like to remind members of the public that making false reports to police is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
