FIVE PLACES TARGETED FOR REPEAT ROBBERIES.

Byline: SUE DOYLE Staff Writer

The first time the Ski Mask Bandits robbed the family restaurant in Van Nuys, the owners installed bright lights outside.

The second time, they hired brawny security guards.

There hasn't been a third.

Millie's Restaurant attributes the turn of events to strengthening its security system at the Vanowen Street eatery that was robbed Oct. 19, 2004, and again on March 6, 2005.

It's one of five places robbed twice by the roving group of two or three masked men who police believe has held up bars, strip clubs and restaurants across the San Fernando Valley for more than two years.

But with thousands of Valley restaurants, some wonder why they would hit the same spots twice.

``If it was easy the first time, that probably emboldens them to hit it again,'' said Joe Herrera, Millie's marketing vice president.

Other two-time victims, police said, are Pogo's Bar & Grill, Prime Italian Restaurant, Valley Ranch Barbeque and the Steak Joynt. Officials at two restaurants didn't return calls for this story. Another refused comment, with concerns the robberies have hurt business.

Los Angeles police Lt. Paul Vernon said because the Ski Mask Bandits have hit only a few restaurants twice, it shows how many potential targets are out there. But to those double victims, once was more than enough.

Steak Joynt manager Gary McMillan said the bandits likely struck the Lankershim Boulevard eatery twice because it sits close to the freeway, making for a convenient getaway.

Both times, the gunmen came through the back door. Now that door is firmly locked, and neighbors keep an eye on the restaurant, looking for suspicious people outside or anything unusual that warrants a 911 call.

It's been more than a year since the robbers struck. McMillan wonders whether they're waiting to pounce a third time. But if they are, their escape won't be as smooth as it's been in the past, he said.

``They could be just waiting for their chance,'' McMillan said. ``But police have stepped up their patrol in the area and always come by and say hi, whether in plainclothes or uniform.''

sue.doyle(at)dailynews.com

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