A West Valley police department is one of the first in Santa Clara County to target organized retail theft by monitoring businesses’ surveillance cameras — just as voters decide if thieves should receive more punishment statewide.
The Campbell Police Department has launched a program that allows businesses to share their live security footage once they call 911. Businesses can also opt to share their feeds all the time. The program aims to improve the small department’s response to organized retail thefts and foster a better partnership with retailers.
Police responded to 114 organized retail thefts that cost nearly $225,000 between October 2023 and June — numbers officials say don’t indicate a crime surge, but rather more businesses reporting losses after consistent underreporting. The hardest hit areas are near big box stores along Hamilton and South Bascom avenues close to Highway 17.
The camera program, which uses Georgia-based Axon Fusus’ technology and is spearheaded by Capt. Ian White, is partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and the California Board of State and Community Corrections received late last year. Officials said the police department asked for $6 million, but received a little more than $400,000. The tech costs range between $350 to $7,300 depending on its level of sophistication. Businesses then pay an annual subscription fee.