A stabbing at Joe Kool’s this week has left Richmond Row business owners feeling frustrated and unsafe, with one local entrepreneur declaring there’s “zero safety in London” as downtown crime continues to escalate.

The incident occurred at the popular Richmond Row establishment, adding to growing concerns among business owners in the area who say they’re dealing with increasingly dangerous situations on a regular basis.

Local business owners are expressing their frustration with what they see as inadequate police response and a justice system that isn’t effectively addressing repeat offenders. One sandwich shop owner down the street from Joe Kool’s revealed they had been threatened just a week prior to the stabbing incident.

The accused in this latest stabbing has an extensive criminal history spanning several years and multiple jurisdictions. Court records show charges dating back to at least 2020, including incidents in London, Huron County, and Quinte West. Previous charges include car theft, robbery, and ramming stolen vehicles into police cruisers.

In March 2025, the same individual was charged with car theft in London. Earlier incidents include a 2022 robbery in South Huron and a 2022 case where a stolen vehicle was rammed into three London police cruisers. Additional charges date back to April 2020 in the Quinte region.

Reddit discussions among London residents reveal widespread frustration with the current state of downtown safety. Many locals are sharing stories of break-ins, knife incidents, and general feelings of insecurity in areas that were once considered safe.

Business owners are particularly concerned about the impact on their operations and customer safety. The constant presence of open drug use, erratic behaviour, and now violent incidents is creating an atmosphere where both staff and patrons feel vulnerable.

The situation has sparked debate about solutions, with some calling for increased enforcement and jail capacity, while others advocate for more investment in mental health services, addiction treatment, and social housing. Currently, local jails are overcrowded with four people to cells designed for two, making it difficult to detain violent offenders.

Local hospital emergency departments are also feeling the strain, with security staff frequently dealing with incidents involving individuals experiencing mental health crises or drug-related episodes.

The Richmond Row area, traditionally known for its nightlife and student-friendly atmosphere, has seen a notable decline in safety over recent years. Business owners worry about the long-term viability of operating in the downtown core if current trends continue.

Many residents who have lived in London for decades say they’ve witnessed a dramatic change in the city’s downtown atmosphere, with some comparing the current situation unfavourably to their experiences in other cities and countries where they felt significantly safer.