INCREASE REPORTED IN SCV ROBBERIES; ROADWAY BUSINESSES MAY BE EASY MARKS.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

Robberies in the Santa Clarita Valley have soared by 44 percent this year, with much of the increase blamed on bandits who target businesses along the Interstate 5 and 14 Freeway corridors.

Through Friday, 72 robberies had been reported, compared with 50 at the same time last year, said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lt. Tim Peters.

``A lot of the fast-food places seem to have an attraction,'' said Peters. ``It's easy-on, easy-off because there is usually an off-ramp nearby.''

For instance, a gunman robbed a Chevron station off Interstate 5 in Gorman on Aug. 7, then fled south on the freeway. He remains at large.

However, authorities have arrested 41 robbery suspects this year - in part by checking in regularly with probation and parole officers because robbers tend to be repeat offenders.

Authorities have not discerned what has caused the increase since last year.

An increase in population throughout the valley may be a factor.

Since 1989, the city of Santa Clarita's population has climbed from an estimated 115,722 to 146,907. Officials estimate that as many as 45,000 to 50,000 people live in the unincorporated areas of the Santa Clarita Valley today, up from an estimated 30,000 in 1989.

``The more people, the more crime is reported generally,'' Peters said.

Most of the reported robberies this year occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight. Streets and parking lots were the sites of the most commonly reported occurrences, followed by stores and restaurants. Physical force reportedly was used in 37 robberies.

To help thwart robbers, detectives suggested that employees at businesses keep a watchful eye on those who linger too long.

``Often at fast-food places, the robbers will come in as customers and case the place, ordering three or four cups of coffee,'' Peters said.

Detectives also suggested varying the manner in which businesses make their deposits.

``Sometimes businesses get very predictable with their bank deposits,'' Peters said. ``We recommend they vary their routine.''

Peters gave an example of a business that has taken good precautions against theft. Two different employees with two different bags come out at different times each day from the business, one carrying the actual deposit and the other just the bag.

``A lot of businesses think it's safe to make deposits during the day,'' Peters said. ``We have robberies during the daytime. Crooks know that bank deposits are made early in the day. They will just sit and watch.''

Detectives also recommended that people watch for suspicious people in parking lots. If someone appears to be hanging around for no apparent reason, they say, people should contact the Sheriff's Department.