The leader of the council has spoken out after a week of violent crime has rocked Reading.
Two incidents of sexual assault and a police investigation into an attempted murder occurred over the weekend in the town.
The first was a report of a rape of a woman in her thirties in Beresford Park, West Reading between 1am and 1.30am on Friday, August 8.
The second incident occurred at the Lola Lo Club in Friar Street at around 12.35am on Saturday, August 9.
A 24-year-old man has been arrested and released on bail.
The third incident, an alleged affray and attempted murder, occurred at St Mary’s Butts in the early hours on Sunday, August 10.
Two men aged 27 and 34, both from Reading, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and have been released on police bail until Saturday, November 1.
A further four men have been charged with affray in connection with the incident.
Liz Terry, the leader of Reading Borough Council, was asked what the council and its partners are doing to deter criminal activity in the town, and how it is taking action to make Reading a safer place to live.
Cllr Terry said: “Whilst the council is unable to comment on specific incidences which are the subject of police investigations, we fully understand why serious incidents such as these would cause concern in the community and increase the fear of serious crime locally.
“The council is an active and participating member of Reading’s Community Safety Partnership, and we work closely with partners, particularly Thames Valley Police (TVP), to address such incidents and look for opportunities to introduce projects and initiatives to help tackle serious incidents, particularly around the town centre.
“In recent years these have included improved CCTV coverage throughout the town centre, raising awareness amongst night time economy venues in relation to violence against women and girls, and prevention activity in schools around knife crime, as well as other crime prevention measures.
“This work is ongoing and remains a serious priority for the council and its partners.
“We would echo TVP in advising residents or visitors who have concerns to please speak to one of its uniformed officers or contact them by calling 101 or through the TVP website.”
Cllr Terry, Labour MPs and councillors took part in the ‘Reclaim the Night’ demonstration against all forms of male violence against women last November.
