In the wake of current global events and the call for international civil unrest this weekend, Sarnia police are reminding residents that freedom of expression does not warrant or justify unlawful acts.
The Sarnia Police Service issued a media release Thursday afternoon for those who may be planning vigils, protests, or demonstrations.
"We recognize that although we're not in the GTA or any of those larger centres, we're not immune to impacts of world events," said Chief Derek Davis. "The release was made so that our residents know that the Sarnia Police Service is aware of the larger issues, that we recognize we're not immune."
Davis said it's believed there will be a peaceful protest at Sarnia City Hall on Friday afternoon.
"But other than that, there are no other concerns at this time," he said.
Sarnia police did not specify what the demonstration was about. However, in other jurisdictions, protests have been held in relation to the Israel-Hamas war.
On Thursday, Toronto police announced that it would increase patrols to help residents feel safe.
Davis said police agencies (on a municipal, provincial, and national level) will continue to communicate information with each other and relay relevant information about current matters.
As stated in the media release, Sarnia police "will not tolerate" any forms of hate and those who wish to report a non-urgent matter can report a crime by calling 519-344-8861.
-With files from Colin Gowdy and Josh Boyce