Shoplifter takes multiple handbags from TJ Maxx on Ming Ave., no arrests made

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A shocking video shot by 17 weather forecaster Candy Caceres shows a man ripping off handbags from the racks at a TJMaxx in Bakersfield.

A man walked into the TJMaxx on Ming Avenue and started clearing off handbags right in front of employees. Then, just as easily as he came in, he walked right out.

Around 9:20 p.m. the man piled up multiple handbags on his body, ripping them off store racks, 17’s Candy Caceres said she counted seven bags in total–and it all happened right in front of a store employee.

Caceres watched as he walked right past her–not before he looked right into the camera. Then he leaves the store as the alarm goes off.

“Nobody shopping should have to go through something like that. I went home and it stuck with me,” Caceres said.

Bakersfield Police say TJMaxx never even reported the crime- that’s why the shoplifter’s face has been blurred out in the video. He’s not officially a suspect because no crime has been reported.

The TJMaxx on Ming Avenue has been a frequent target of thieves.

Year-after-year, the Bakersfield Police Department, put out multiple releases on suspects of shoplifting at this store. $750, $1000, $8,000, $10,000 worth of merchandise.

TJMaxx’s shoplifting policy says associates working the floor are not allowed to get involved when shoplifting occurs. However, the loss prevention team can step in and stop the shoplifter only if they fall into the shoplifter apprehension policy.

Seeing the shoplifter hide two or more items- check. Witness the shoplifter clearly intend to steal, check and maintain constant surveillance of the shoplifter- check.

So why was this man not stopped? Why was this never reported to BPD?

17 News called the store multiple times for comment, still after four phone calls and messages, we still heard nothing back from TJMaxx.

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