A SECTION 60 order has been put in place in Tilehurst by Thames Valley Police on Monday, August 15.
The order follows an incident of public order near Pottery Road, in which a group of males were seen with knives at around 8.18pm.
It gives police officers extra stop and search powers for 24 hours, expiring at 8:52pm on Tuesday, August 16.
The Section 60 order covers Oxford Road, Grovelands Road, Water Road, Tilehurst Road, The Meadway, Mayfair, Lower Elmstone Drive and Overdown Road.
Inspector Matthew Rees said: “This order has been put in place following an incident of public order in the Reading area.
“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 43220365331.
“If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or on 0800 555 111.”
