Safety fears have been raised over Cassiobury Park after a woman was robbed while walking alone.
The victim in her 30s was reportedly struck on the head and had her purse taken as she walked near the Cha Café on Friday evening (November 4).
Detectives branded it "shocking" but believe it was an isolated incident.
Read more: Description issued as police hunt Cassiobury Park robber
Reacting to the incident, Watford mayor Peter Taylor said:
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: ”This was a very frightening experience for the woman involved and I wish her well in recovering from the event.
"Our CCTV staff have offered assistance to the police in reviewing the recordings around the time and location of the incident. Criminal behaviour like this is unacceptable and it is important that anyone with information informs the police so that whoever did this can be found."
Following the police appeal for information, multiple people condemned the attacker online but also said more needed to be done to maintain safety – such as extra lighting and patrols.
Friday’s attack is just one of several crimes reported this year in Watford’s largest and most popular park.
Others include:
- A man beaten by youths in August
- A man caught by a female jogger fondling himself in bushes in October
- Suspected arsons in the park in August, September
- Dog attack in June
- Man stabbed with car key in April
- Woman suffers broken foot after being run over by two youths on bike
- Damage to car park equipment in July
- Drug activity in the summer
Also, in September 2020, a man suffered a fractured skull after being attacked with a baseball bat, while more arsons, dog attacks and drug activity was reported in the park in 2021.
Overall in 2022, 28 crimes have been reported to have taken place between January and September within the grounds of Cassiobury Park, according to police.uk.
Not all crimes that are reported to police appear on the map on the website.
Of the 28 that have been reported, four were robberies and five were violent or sexual offences.
Other offences included drugs, public order, criminal damage and arson, antisocial behaviour, and theft.
Watford Borough Council, which is responsible for managing the park, was also approached for comment about concerns raised about lighting.
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