Share
Fresno City Councilmembers Luis Chavez and Mike Karbassi said Tuesday that they will introduce a budget proposal aimed at organized retail theft and other property crimes.
They want the city to spend $100,000 on a pilot program — Project Spotlight — to install real-time camera connections at local retail businesses that can be viewed by the Fresno Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center.
Karbassi and Chavez say their idea is based on the success of Project Green Light in Detroit. Chavez visited there earlier this year as part of a best-practices exchange with Detroit officials.
“For too long, local businesses in Fresno have become victims to repeat organized theft and other property crimes,” Karbassi said in a news release. “Project Spotlight has a demonstrated record of success in tackling property crimes.”
Success in Detroit
The Detroit program began with the placement of cameras and a trademark green beacon on eight gas stations. Since launching in 2016, the program has grown to more than 550 businesses.
In addition, a U.S. Department of Justice study found that the number of reported property crimes at participating businesses decreased by roughly 27% compared to non-participants.
The $100,000 sought by the councilmembers would fund the installation of cameras and a Project Spotlight beacon at chosen retail sites. The funding also provides technical assistance in connecting cameras to Fresno PD.
(Click on the video above the story to learn more.)
RELATED TOPICS:
Bettors Banking on Eagles Resurgence, Cowboys Regression as NFL Season Begins
12 hours ago
Abandoned Poodle Mix Adam Survives the Wild and Seeks a Forever Home
13 hours ago
Top Brazilian Judge Orders Suspension of X Platform in Brazil Amid Feud With Musk
1 day ago
How a Real Estate Boom Drove Political Corruption in Los Angeles
1 day ago
![Police officers secure the area and investigate the scene of a shooting at Union Square in San Francisco, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/31184052/piersall-shooting-1024x683.jpg)
49ers Rookie WR Ricky Pearsall Shot in Attempted Union Square Robbery
![Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at an event in anticipation of signing a bill on his proposed oil profit penalty plan in Sacramento on March 28, 2023. (CalMatters/ Miguel Gutierrez Jr.)](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/31175839/newsom-big-oil.webp)
Will Gov. Newsom Call a Special Session to Deal With Gas Prices?
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16183042/Eagles-vs-49ers.jpg)
Bettors Banking on Eagles Resurgence, Cowboys Regression as NFL Season Begins
![A black poodle's face with his tongue sticking out](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/29135336/Rescued-from-an-abandoned-home-after-weeks-of-fending-for-himself-Adam-a-shy-but-sweet-poodle-mix-is-now-seeking-a-loving-forever-home.-Mells-Mutts-1024x538.jpg)
Abandoned Poodle Mix Adam Survives the Wild and Seeks a Forever Home
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/28091346/082824-Lede-1024x576.jpg)