Some shoppers question safety after mugging at San Francisco's Westfield Centre

Lilian Kim Image
ByLilian Kim KGO logo
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Some shoppers question safety after mugging at SF mall
Police are investigating after they say a man was mugged inside a bathroom at San Francisco's Westfield Centre two days after a man was found dead in the mall's emergency exit stairwell.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Police say a man was mugged at San Francisco's Westfield Centre two days after a man was found dead in the mall's emergency exit stairwell.

They both happened last week, and now shoppers are concerned about safety in one of the city's most popular shopping destinations.

WATCH VIDEO: Girlfriend of man found dead at SF mall speaks out

Police say the homicide and mugging are not connected.

The latest incident at San Francisco's Westfield Centre happened on Friday at 5:15 p.m. on the concourse level.

RELATED: Family of man found dead in SF mall stairwell retraces victim's steps

Police say at least three men attacked a man in one of the bathrooms, assaulting him and demanding money and his possessions. "The victim was able to escape, made it to Tenderloin station, and we're just asking if anyone was in the bathroom at the time of the person being assaulted to give us a call," San Francisco Police Department Ofc. Grace Gatpandan said.

Westfield Centre has plenty of security cameras throughout the mall, so police are looking at video for clues, not only for the mugging but for the homicide that occurred two days prior.

RELATED: Man's body found in stairwell at SF's Westfield Centre

That's when someone discovered a body in the mall's emergency exit stairwell. The camera inside has been spray painted over, but loved ones of the victim identified as Frank Galicia, 28, have been told leads are coming in.

Still, all of this is proving to be too much for many shoppers who are now considering taking a break from the popular mall. "I wouldn't want to be put in a situation where I would fear for my life," shopper Kevin Yee said.

"It just seems like not a good time. Maybe they need to get things more under control security wise," shopper Ilyssa Evans said.

Westfield declined to comment on its security, but SFPD says last week's incidents are no reason to stay away. "We still encourage people to come visit, it's still a safe place to go when you factor in the thousands and thousands of people who go to Westfield every day," Grace said.

Words of assurances that may or may not convince the public.