Project Spotlight: Pilot program aimed to tackle retail theft in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Select businesses will now have a new method to combat retail theft in Fresno.

City Councilmembers Luis Chavez and Mike Karbassi have introduced a $100,000 pilot program that will arm retail businesses with cameras, which will be connected to the Fresno Police's Real Time Crime Center.

“Project Spotlight” will provide the cameras, technical support, and a beacon that signals their business is part of the program.

Keeping a watchful eye on our community with Project Spotlight the first step to preventing property crimes, which ensures our officers patrolling the city are focusing on the highest-priority neighborhoods to keep residents safe," Fresno City Council member Luis Chavez said.

This program has had some success in Detroit, Michigan. Since its launch in 2016, over 550 businesses are now part of Project Green Light.

According to a study by the U.S. Department of Justice, 27% of participating businesses saw a decrease in property crimes compared to non-participating retailers.