Chicago City Wire

The City of Chicago is taking a new approach in its attempt to deter crime by reimbursing residents, business owners, religious organizations and nonprofits for security equipment purchases.

The Chicago Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC) announced the new "Home and Business Protection Program" on June 6.

"Any Chicagoan, business owner, or anyone who owns/leases a vehicle registered within the city will be able to receive reimbursement from the City to cover the costs of private security devices to protect their property and feel safe," CSCC said in a tweet this week. 

Eligible security devices include outdoor security cameras, motion sensor lighting and GPS tracking, a Tuesday release by Chicago.gov said. Under the program, the City will reimburse up to $225 per camera for up to two cameras, along with a year of a cloud-based video storage subscription service ($150 maximum); up to $100 per motion sensor light for up to two lights; and $50 per vehicle GPS tracking device for up to two vehicles, plus a one-year subscription for the tracking service ($120 maximum). 

Glen Brooks, director of Community Policing, joined Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D-Chicago) and Tamara Mahal, CSCC chief coordination officer, to announce the program. The goal of the program is to help augment the City's public safety efforts while adding an additional layer of protection for property owners. 

In a tweet from the Chicago Police Department, Brooks said that teaming up with the community is "the best way to strengthen public safety."

Data from the Chicago Police Department reported a total of 14 murders, 61 shooting incidents, 41 criminal sexual assaults, 158 robberies, 129 aggravated batteries, 140 burglaries, 362 thefts and 223 motor vehicle thefts in the city during the week of May 30 to June 5.