THAMES Valley Police has put in place a Section 60 order in Whitley, Reading, following two serious assaults.
The first incident occurred on Saturday, May 5, in Linden Road at around 3.10pm.
The victim, a man in his twenties, was approached by a man wearing a balaclava and had some possessions stolen in a robbery, during which he sustained stab wounds.
The second incident occurred on Wednesday, May 11, in Blagdon Road at around 12.20am.
A group of men in balaclavas using a moped confronted the victim, a man in his late teens.
The victim was assaulted causing injuries.
A Section 60 can only be put in place in a defined area at a specific time when a senior officer believes there is a possibility of serious violence, or weapons being carried.
The order temporarily enhances powers for officers, meaning they can stop and search anyone in the area shown on the map below.
It was enacted from 4pm on Wednesday, May 11, and continues for a minimum of 24 hours.
At 4pm on Thursday, May 12, the order was extended for a further 24 hours.
The Section 60 order covers the area shown on the map: Whitley Wood Road, Basingstoke Road and Shinfield Road.
Local policing area deputy commander for Reading, Chief Inspector Andy Penrith, said: “This order has been put in place following two serious assaults that have taken place in a short space of time in the Whitley area where the victims were left with injuries.
“This order is in place to ensure public safety, while also giving police extra power to search people who they think could be involved in violence, and to take weapons off the street.
“I understand that an order of this nature could cause concern, but whilst a Section 60 order may sound alarming, enhancing our stop and search powers provides us with another tactic to quickly identify and disrupt those carrying weapons.
“If you are stopped by an officer, please do not be worried as this does not mean that you are in trouble. You will see more police officers in the area whilst the order is in place and we expect to carry out more stop and searches than usual.
“Officers who are out and about are there to reassure you as well as using their powers under Section 60 so please do stop and speak with them about any concerns that you have.
“We are appealing to anyone who has any information about either of these incidents to contact police, either online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220203656.
“If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or on 0800 555 111.”
For more information on stop and search, please visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk
