FOLLOWING a concerning increase of stabbings across Reading in the last couple of months, several Section 60 Orders have been issued by police, granting the force more powers to stop and search in specified areas.
It usually remains in place for 24 hours and can be extended for a further day.
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What is a Section 60 Order?
A Section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act allows police officers to stop and search anyone without suspicion in a particular area - for example, where there is evidence that serious violence has or will take place.
Police can use this power to prevent such violence or following an incident involving serious violence where an instrument or offensive weapon used is being carried in the locality.
Recent Section 60 Orders in Reading
The first of two of these recent orders implemented in the town was on September 14 following a double stabbing in Lucey Close.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) issued an order to allow its officers to stop and search anyone within the Tilehurst area between the A4 Bath Road, the A329 Oxford Road, and West Reading Train Station.
The order was extended for a further 24 hours.
September 14 Section 60 zone
Following the more recent stabbing in Coley Avenue, another Section 60 Order was implemented on September 21, which was also extended for a further 24 hours.
It follows a worrying trend which has seen several stabbings taking place in the town since the start of August.
Recent Section 60 Orders are likely to have been put in place to prevent further armed attacks.
READ MORE: Interactive map shows timeline of recent stabbings in Reading
Recent stabbings in Reading:
AUGUST 2: 'Mass brawl' sees man stabbed on Kingsbridge Road, Whitley
AUGUST 4: Two men arrested after man stabbed on London Road
AUGUST 9: Fight between two groups sees one man stabbed in Strathy Close. Three men were arrested and later released on bail
AUGUST 15: Two women injured after being stabbed in Combe Road. A 14-year-old was arrested and later released on bail
AUGUST 15: Stabbing occurs following altercation between two men
AUGUST 17: Woman injured after being stabbed in Scours Lane. David Rackett has been charged with attempted murder
AUGUST 28: A man from Reading was among those arrested after a stabbing in Bracknell. Matthew Viccars has been charged with one count of wounding with intent and one count of possessing an offensive weapon
SEPTEMBER 12: Attempted murder investigation launched after two 16-year-olds were attacked in a double stabbing in Lucey Close
SEPTEMBER 19: Attempted murder investigation launched after 44-year-old stabbed several times in Coley Avenue
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