Sorry to hear of any issues at Grand Junction. That's the main SC I need to go to in order to get most anywhere, or to get home from a trip, so I've been there MANY times -- and I've never had even a hint of problems there. It's not a strip mall, but rather "the" indoor mall in the region. It's well lit, and I've been there at all hours. I usually hang at the Starbucks inside, or the Outback if I'm hungry.
As to the main question, I've been to nearly 100 SCs over the past 15 months, and have never felt unsafe. It has occurred to me that when plugged in, you're pretty much a sitting duck: you can't leave without getting out and unplugging, and getting out might be ill advised. Can't blame anyone for wanting a gun (as one comment implied) or bear spray....