East San Jose business district gets free security cameras to deter crime NBC Bay Area [Video]

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 …