A new security system installed at a San Jose shopping center promises to reduce crime for small businesses.
Christa Sanchez has seen business after business vandalized or robbed at the Lion Plaza, where her beauty salon is located.
“There have been quite a number of crimes committed,” Sanchez told CBS News Bay Area. “We have a lot of homeless people who live directly across the street and they tend to migrate here.”
The square is right next to Tully Road, a strip where she says a lot of violence takes place that sometimes spills into the shopping center. Surrounding businesses, such as a massage parlor and a dentist’s office, have been hit by random acts of violence, sometimes resulting in gunshots and broken windows.
In 2022, a nearby jewelry store was hit, with the suspect shot by the owner. Although security patrols the area regularly, Sanchez said it is difficult to get them to respond in a timely manner.
“There were people at my door, homeless people, just staring you in the eye. It’s quite scary. There’s no security around,” Sánchez said. “You can’t call them fast enough.”
But the city of San Jose is proposing a solution to the problem. New security systems at two shopping centers along Tully Road are part of a pilot program aimed at reducing criminal activity near small businesses.
The systems have 360 cameras that can capture crime videos and read license plates. During a press conference unveiling the new technology, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said it is imperative that the city uses new technology to fight crime.
“This is part of a larger push from our police department to use technology wherever we can to achieve better outcomes,” the mayor said.
The cameras are mobile and can be moved anywhere deemed necessary by the Tully Road East Ridge Business Association, a group that works with the city to improve safety.
Responding to questions about privacy issues, the mayor said the images captured by the camera are only monitored if there are reports of a threat.
“We routinely delete the data. As you heard from the chief, we do not retain the data long-term unless it is actively used in an investigation or prosecution,” the mayor said.
Although the program is still in its infancy, Sanchez said she is grateful for any impact the camera system can have on reducing crime.
