BUSINESS WATCH PROGRAM PLANNED FOR QUARTZ HILL.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

In an effort to reach out to business owners and improve communication between them and the Sheriff's Department, sheriff's officials have created a Quartz Hill Business Watch program.

Several deputies spent two days last week canvassing businesses around 50th Street West and Avenue M, explaining the program and inviting owners to the first meeting scheduled for May 29.

``The response we got was incredible,'' said Paul Ullman, a crime-prevention deputy. ``Nobody gave us a negative response, and everyone was eager to participate.''

Deputies say the program was not launched because of an increase in crime or other problems in the area but is intended to increase awareness and educate business owners.

``We plan to educate people on how to look out for suspicious activity,'' Ullman said. ``We want to train them on how to prevent a robbery and what to do during and after a robbery. The goal is not to get robbed but, if you are, what to do to survive it.''

Deputies also will train businesses owners on how to watch for fraud and forgery and how to increase security with additional lighting, increasing greetings and with use of windows.

``Criminals look for opportunities,'' Ullman said. ``We want to eliminate those opportunities.''

Following the organizational meeting at 7:30 a.m. May 29 at Lane Park, 5520 W. Ave. L-8, participants will get Business Watch signs to post in their store windows, and larger signs will be placed along main streets.

Lancaster has had a Business Watch program since 1980. The city of Palmdale started a similar program in cooperation with the Sheriff's Department in 1994.

Sheriff's officials are also in the process of starting Business Watch programs in other unincorporated parts of the Antelope Valley, including Lake Los Angeles and Pearblossom.