A new city of Fresno program will help some small businesses buy and install security cameras.

Funded by the city’s American Rescue Plan dollars from the federal government, businesses with fewer than 25 employees in certain areas of the city can obtain grants of up to $2,000.

Fresno City Council President Annalisa Perea and City Council Vice President Mike Karbassi sponsored the $100,000 program, saying they frequently receive calls about property crimes from small business owners.

“We’re seeing calls across the city, and we’re no different than any other big city in our state,” Perea said. “But we’re trying to stand with our small business community and let them know they’re not alone in this fight.”

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$100,000 Fund Will Be First Come, First Served

Qualified businesses must be in good standing with the city and have a business license. Because of ARPA guidelines, businesses also have to be in designated areas of town. The Fresno Chamber of Commerce — a partner in the program — will help businesses apply and determine eligibility.

“Since I’ve been at the chamber, one of the main concerns for our members has been petty crime and the types of crimes that have been enabled by the passage of Prop. 47 years ago,” said Scott Miller, president of the Fresno Chamber.

Dividing up the $100,000 will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Based on demand, the city council may allocate additional funds to the program, Karbassi said. Much of his district lies outside qualified areas. If t city funds are used, such money would be available for businesses throughout the city.

Council Hopes Security Camera Program Will Be a Deterrent

Armando Zepeda, owner of A&A Textiles, was one of the first to receive funds from the program. He said his business has not had significant problems with vandalism, but having the security cameras will help.

The city program requires owners to save footage for at least 72 hours and hand it over to police if needed for an investigation.

Zepeda considered monthly surveillance programs, but the thousands of dollars spent on a regular basis did not make as much sense as purchasing cameras and doing his own work for a few hundred dollars.

Karbassi said for small businesses that don’t have as much money to dedicate to surveillance systems, the rebate program will help alleviate costs. He said he’s seen the effectiveness of security cameras — as a deterrent, to catch criminals, or both.

“We’ve had cases where criminals have been on roofs and committing copper wire theft, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage for about $400 of copper they sell,” Karbassi said. “That’s devastating to a business. And that camera on the roof provided good footage to make an arrest in that person’s pending trial.”