The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office announced that it is donating $100,000 to help small businesses link their security cameras to police in real-time as part of a new effort to combat organized retail theft.
The pilot program, launched in partnership with the San Jose Police Department, aims to equip at least 200 businesses with high-tech security systems, prosecutors said.
When an alarm sounds or a 911 call is made, officers will be able to view live surveillance footage to identify suspects and vehicles. Police can also use Flock cameras to track fleeing cars.
The District Attorney’s Office is also offering concrete planters to place in front of storefronts to prevent thieves from ramming vehicles into businesses, prosecutors said.
“We have created specialized units, made major arrests and we are prosecuting retail thieves to the fullest extent of the law,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. “Now it is time to do even more. People doing business in Santa Clara County must know that we are business friendly — and business safe.”
The donation comes from proceeds of the district attorney’s lawsuit against Google, prosecutors said.