THE number of stop and searches police carried out in central Reading in February has been revealed.

According to the website police.uk, 11 stop and searches occurred in central Reading in February.

February 2021 is the latest data available on the site.

The figures cover the Abbey/Battle area of Reading which roughly stretches from Norcot to Newtown and the River Thames near Caversham to Tilehurst Road.

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The government website explains police officers have the power to stop and search people if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect they are carrying illegal drugs, a weapon, stolen property or something which could be used to commit a crime.

The government website adds that people can only be stopped and searched without reasonable grounds if it has been approved by a senior police officer.

This can happen if it is suspected that serious violence could take place, the person is carrying a weapon or has used one or the person is in a specific location or area.

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In January 2021, police carried out six stop and searches in the same area of Reading.

In December 2020, they carried out nine.