4 Held in String of Santa Clarita Burglaries

Four Santa Clarita residents have been arrested in connection with burglaries at more than 80 businesses in the area since December, authorities said Thursday.

One of the suspects, Gilbert Noriega, 38, of Newhall, was arrested early Wednesday morning during a burglary at a construction office, authorities said. Three other suspects were arrested later in the day. They are Javier Noriega, 37, and Thomas Allen Pitchford, 28, both of Newhall, and Adriane Donna Myers, 27, of Valencia, who police said owns the car used in Wednesday’s burglary.

No one has been hurt in any of the break-ins, in which thieves tossed rocks, bricks or chunks of concrete to break glass doors or windows, then took merchandise, money and sometimes cash registers. Authorities said the thieves, who usually struck when the businesses were closed, took about $50,000 in cash and property and caused about $30,000 in damage during the five-month period.

A plainclothes deputy was working in the Newhall area about 2 a.m. Wednesday when he heard glass shattering and an alarm. Sgt. Lee White said he saw two men running from the office of Myler Construction Co. on Walnut Street. White said the pair jumped into a parked car and he chased them for about 10 blocks before arresting Gilbert Noriega.

Pitchford, believed to be a passenger in the car, escaped on foot and was arrested later in the day as he was walking on the street, authorities said.

Authorities said they are seeking additional suspects.