Downtown Bakersfield Businesses See Safety Gains Despite Vandalism Incidents

Police highlight recent arrests as business owners report improved foot traffic and reduced loitering

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Downtown Bakersfield business owners say they are seeing signs of improved safety and increased foot traffic, even as vandalism incidents continue to occur. The Bakersfield Police Department's Downtown Impact Unit has made several recent arrests related to vandalism, though officials note that about one-third of suspects are repeat offenders.

Why it matters

The revitalization of downtown Bakersfield has been a key priority for city officials, as they aim to attract more visitors and businesses to the area. While progress is being made, ongoing vandalism incidents remain a concern for local shop owners who had previously considered leaving the downtown district.

The details

Breaking Bad Hair Salon owner Alicia Escobar said she has seen a significant turnaround in downtown Bakersfield, with reduced vandalism and break-ins compared to 2023 and 2024. Salon employee Edgar Gutierrez also noted an increase in police patrols and improved lighting, making late shifts feel much safer. However, vandalism incidents have continued, with police recently arresting a man accused of throwing bricks through windows at Moo's Creamery and damaging property at Dignity Health Arena.

  • Earlier this month, police arrested a vandalism suspect.
  • In February, police reported six vandalism arrests downtown.

The players

Alicia Escobar

Owner of Breaking Bad Hair Salon, which has operated in downtown Bakersfield for nearly eight years.

Edgar Gutierrez

Employee at Breaking Bad Hair Salon who has noticed increased police patrols and improved lighting in the downtown area.

Bakersfield Police Department

The police department's Downtown Impact Unit has made several recent arrests related to vandalism incidents in the downtown area.

Lt. Nicole Anderberg

A lieutenant with the Bakersfield Police Department who discussed the department's efforts to address vandalism in the downtown area.

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What they’re saying

“We were plagued by vandalism as well as a lot of break-ins back in 2023 and 2024, and definitely have seen a big turnaround.”

— Alicia Escobar, Owner, Breaking Bad Hair Salon (turnto23.com)

“It's a huge relief only because the ladies here are usually here alone throughout the day. I usually take the later shift. I have seen an increase in patrolling.”

— Edgar Gutierrez, Employee, Breaking Bad Hair Salon (turnto23.com)

“The impact unit has four downtown footbeat officers, and they can quickly identify suspects based upon what they're wearing, what their appearance is and the area that they're in.”

— Lt. Nicole Anderberg, Bakersfield Police Department (turnto23.com)

What’s next

Police say they will continue to monitor the downtown area and work to address any ongoing vandalism incidents, with a focus on repeat offenders.

The takeaway

While progress is being made in revitalizing downtown Bakersfield, the persistence of vandalism incidents highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local businesses. Continued collaboration between law enforcement, city officials, and the community will be crucial in creating a safer and more vibrant downtown district.