London police issue public safety warning about release of high-risk offender

London police are warning the public about the release of a man they consider a high risk to re-offend.

Police say 48-year-old Johannes Wilhelmus Laning has completed a custodial sentence for two counts of breach of probation and two counts of criminal harassment and is now living in the London area.

According to police, Laning has a history of criminal harassment, stalking and sexual-related offences involving children. Investigators said they are concerned he may commit similar crimes in the future.

Laning is described as white, 5'9" tall, weighing about 181 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

He is currently serving a two-year probation term with conditions that include:

• Not being in the company of, or communicating with, girls under the age of 16 unless approved in writing by his probation officer and supervised by another adult.

• Not attending public places where children are likely to be present, such as parks, schools, playgrounds, swimming areas, daycare centres or community centres.

Police said they released this information after "careful deliberation," balancing privacy concerns against the need to protect public safety.

Anyone who is aware of possible breaches of these conditions should not approach Laning, but instead contact London police at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).