Two workers robbed in broad daylight at the Valley Plaza Mall

The workers at businesses inside the Valley Plaza Mall want more security.  They're worried and scared after two employees were robbed in broad daylight on Tuesday.

Some of the workers said the mall secerity is rarely seen outside the mall their manly watching the inside.

"Of course, they're hurt and troubled, now they're afraid to come back to work," said an employee who didn't want to be identified.  We'll call her "Liz," she's worked at the mall for 18 years.

Liz and Valley Plaza management confirm two mall workers, a man and a woman, came out to the parking lot near Sears Tuesday Sept 7th just before 10:00 a.m.  They were headed to the bank to make a deposit.

As the workers got into a car, two men came up and attacked them with pepper spray.  The suspects then reportedly got away in a large pick-up truck.

Liz says there should have been more mall security.

"There was probably maybe one security car going around that one day," Liz said.  "And they're never around when we need them."   Liz said safety worries are the big talk among workers in businesses in the mall.

"It's very upsetting to me to hear that anyone is having issues or concerns," Plaza general manager Donna Berlin told Eyewitness News. 

She said the mall put out a memo to businesses after the Tuesday robbery explaining what happened, and reminding workers to take precautions. 

Liz isn't satisfied.

"Security was going around saying, 'if you guys don't feel safe, call us.'  But they don't get there in time."

Berlin was also distressed to hear that complaint.  "I certainly will look into any delays in response time," she said.

On Thursday, an Eyewitness News crew was in the parking lot for about 20 minutes and never saw a security car.  In past years, news crews have seen security arrive within minutes to check on them.

"They knew you were coming," Berlin responded.  "You had called ahead, I knew you were coming, I alerted our people, and so they knew you were here."

Inside the mall, the news crew saw only one security guard in about 20 minutes.  But, an elderly couple said they walk in the mall several times a week and they feel safe.

Outside, an employee with another business said he's also satisfied with security.  He doesn't think more could be done in the parking lots.

Berlin said the mall is reminding businesses to be careful, especially with activities like making bank deposits. She also said security will escort employees and shoppers if they have concerns about safety.  A shopper can ask any merchant to contact the security office.

Liz said workers also want better lighting.  Berlin said Valley Plaza is now in the process of upgrading the lighting, and that should be complete by the end of the year.

Eyewitness News also asked about patrols by Bakersfield Police.  Berlin said the department still has a presence at the mall.  She said the Tuesday robbery is being investigated by the BPD. 

Liz hoped any surveillance video of the incident could be put out to the public, in hopes of catching the thieves.  Berlin said that would be up to police.

Liz is also worried that in tough economic times, the mall has simply cut back on security. 

Has Valley Plaza cut back on the number or hours of security guards?  "Absolutely not," Berlin responded.  "I'll never reduce security."

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Valley Plaza Mall Bakersfield hours:

Valley Plaza Mall
2701 Ming Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93304
661.832.2436