A San Jose councilman handed out free security cameras to business owners in his district Tuesday as part of a pilot program designed to deter break-ins and armed robberies.
Councilmember Peter Ortiz announced the pilot program in September and was on hand at the Alum Rock Village to personally give away the devices.
"To say that enough is enough, that crime isn't going to go unpunished here in Alum Rock Village and also to let our small businesses know that the city supports them," Ortiz said. "We stand behind them."
Ortiz's office over the past few weeks identified 25 small businesses in the neighborhood interested in the free cameras. Each one received a system with four cameras.
The city started the program at a cost of $50,000 in response to increased safety concerns after at least four businesses in the area of Alum Rock Avenue and White Road were hit by burglars or robbers.
The businesses victimized include a bakery that was targeted more than once, a tattoo parlor and a cellphone store -- all within the span of about a month or two.
Hien Nguyen, the head of the Alum Rock Village Business Association, told NBC Bay Area that until Tuesday, only about 40% to 50% of businesses in the area had security cameras.
Nguyen agreed more cameras will help give non-English-speaking business owners the confidence to come forward and report crimes.
Ortiz said the cameras are registered with the San Jose Police Department.
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Police said if a crime is committed in the area, investigators know where cameras are placed and they can reach out and ask for the video.
"Any small piece helps," San Jose police Capt. Brian Spears said. "So for example, if we were to catch a vehicle we now know what kind of make or model that we’re looking for. An individual wearing something very specific and unique. Now those videos can be shared."
The city has a separate "Capture Crime" pilot program, where free surveillance systems were given to 50 small businesses in higher-than-usual crime areas.
Police have said crimes where there is digital evidence are typically prioritized for investigations.
