CCTV is to be installed in the former car park where a woman was raped on Monday.
The plan was announced by Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive committee at its meeting on Thursday, May 31.
Police revealed that on Wednesday that the victim, who is in her 20s, was walking through the footpath that links Shute End to Elms Road and goes through the former Paddocks car park.
She was approached by two men, one of whom subsequently raped her. Police said that she managed to break free from the offender and leave the scene.
The incident took place between 3pm and 8pm on Monday, May 28. No description of the offender or the man accompanying him is currently available.
Speaking at the Executive meeting, Cllr Philip Mirfin pledge action.
“We are all very shocked to learn of the incident at the former Paddocks car park on Bank Holiday Monday. Our thoughts are with the victim during this really difficult time.
“Wokingham is a safe town. Incidents like this are rare but nonetheless reports of this nature will, quite understandably, cause concern for our community.
“We are reviewing the area in light of the incident and will very shortly be installing CCTV on the walkway through the former Paddocks car park.
“We will, of course, assist Thames Valley Police with the ongoing investigation as appropriate.”
The force has promised an increased presence in Wokingham to reassure the public.
READ MORE: Woman raped near The Paddocks car park in Wokingham town centre
It has also delivered letters to homes surrounding the former car park, which is part of the Elms Field regeneration.
The letter reads: “Police are appealing for witnesses in relation to a report of a serious sexual assault that happened on the 28th May 2018.
“We are looking for information that may assist the investigation, the incident happened between the hours of 3pm and 9pm [sic] in the local area.
“If you have any information that may assist the investigation then please contact the police on 101 quoting URN 1079 on the 30th May 2018.”
In information released by Thames Valley Police yesterday, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Stone, from Berkshire Force CID, said: “Detectives are currently working to establish the circumstances of this incident.
“I would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened or who saw two men acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident on Bank Holiday Monday, to speak to police. If you have any information, regardless of how insignificant you think it may be, please come forward and speak to officers.
“The victim is being offered the support of a specially trained officer at this extremely difficult time.”
Chief Inspector Andrew Cranidge, Deputy Local Policing Area Commander for Wokingham, said: “I appreciate reports of this nature are concerning to people in the local community however an investigation is underway to determine what has occurred.
“People in Wokingham are likely to notice an increased police presence in the area while enquiries are ongoing. If anyone has any concerns or wishes to raise anything, they can approach and speak to an officer in the area or call our non-emergency number 101.”
