Police to operate foot patrol unit out of Dundas Street storefront

The London Police Service is renovating a downtown storefront at 183 Dundas St. to serve as a base of operations for the force's foot patrol unit. 

In a news release issued Thursday, police say the move came after "extensive consultation with area business owners" and is in line with the city's Core Area Action Plan. 

"This new office space will allow LPS to have a more visible and accessible presence in the downtown core," the news release says. 

"We have consistently heard from downtown residents and businesses that they want a greater LPS presence in the core," said Police Chief Steve Williams in the release. 

CBC News made multiple requests in late July about 183 Dundas St., but was told by the manager of communications for the police service, Kathy Leblanc, that the location could not be confirmed until the fall.

When CBC News sought public documents from city hall detailing building permit documents, city staff said police were notified. 

The statement revealing the new location was released the same day. 

The office is expected to open in late fall of this year. For now, the space is under construction. 

Additional details regarding the space including staffing and hours of operation, will be shared with the public once finalized, police said in a statement.