The London Police Service (LPS) says it is aware of potential calls for unrest due to the war between Israel and Hamas and that it is working with other law enforcement agencies to keep the community safe.

The force declined an interview and a request to speak with Chief Thai Truong, but released a statement on social media saying that it is not aware of any credible threats in the area. The LPS, along with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), have both said in statements they will increase patrols in areas of cultural and religious significance.

Other cities are also increasing patrols with Toronto Chief Myron Demkiw speaking publicly at a news conference Thursday to reassure the community. The RCMP said it is also aware of threats on social media directed at Canada's Jewish community and is calling on the public to be on high alert.

The war is affecting many people in the London area. Rob Nagus, executive director of Jewish London, said he has been in contact with London Police and that the Jewish community is taking the situation seriously while encouraging vigilance.

"It's a scary day," said Nagus. "But we're just trying to go about our business and live our lives and not let this disrupt us too much."

Reports of antisemitism among Jewish people living in London have been on the rise in recent years, said Nagus.

"This week has only exasperated things," he said.

Meanwhile, in the some local Muslim communities, reactions to increased police presence are mixed.

"With everything that is happening, there are concerns about some threats," said Bilal Rahhal, the chair of the London Muslim Mosque. "Some people think that the police have stated that there were no credible threats or anything, so why are they present? Others feel that it's safer to have them around."

London police were present throughout the day at the London Muslim Mosque, Rahhal said.

The Thames Valley District School board said it is aware of how vulnerable Jewish, Muslim, Israeli and Palestinian-identifying students, families and staff are at this time.

In an email sent to the TVDSB community, the TVDSB said it is committed to addressing all forms of discrimination.

"We have heard concerns from our community about the potential for an increase in Antisemitic and Islamophobic acts of hate in our schools and in our communities.We want our students, staff, families and community to know that we take these matters very seriously," the statement said.

The TVDSB said it continues to work with police to ensure safety at all their schools and it's encouraging students to anonymously report acts of hate, bullying or discrimination to the board's online tip line.

Police said it also encourages the public to report acts that could be motivated by hate, saying that it will investigate all of them.