PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Reports of shootings in Pittsfield aren’t all too uncommon, but such reports have become a nearly nightly occurrence in recent weeks.

There have been six confirmed shootings in the city already this month, including two on Monday night. This comes after eight shootings in May, and a homicide on North Street in April.

Most of the incidents have taken place in the city’s West Side neighborhood, close to downtown. Pittsfield Police will be increasing patrols in those areas, with assistance from the State Police’s community action team.

However, these shootings are only part of the larger issue of gun violence which has plagued the city for year.

“The challenge of gun violence in our city has been something that we’ve really struggled with,” said Mayor Linda Tyer, “And it goes back to the city of Pittsfield being a destination and a pipeline for the illegal gun trade, and that’s where we are really trying to narrow our focus.”

Tyer would not go into more detail, citing ongoing investigations.

The Pittsfield Police are urging anyone with information about any of the recent shootings to contact the department’s Detective Bureau Tip Line, even anonymously, at 413-448-9706, or by texting ‘PITTIP’ and a message to TIP411 (847411).