UPDATE: Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen has just announced a critical initiative to combat a surge in organized retail crime, committing $150,000 to bolster crime prevention efforts throughout the region. This urgent response follows a series of brazen thefts, including a violent break-in at the Kim Hung Jewelry Store in San Jose.
In recent weeks, local businesses have faced unprecedented threats, with criminal gangs targeting jewelry stores in both San Jose and Milpitas. These incidents have left business owners and the community shaken. “This is absolutely, hundred percent unacceptable and not on our watch in our county,” stated Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee.
The alarming rise in retail crime reached a peak when an 88-year-old store owner suffered a stroke and a heart attack after being assaulted during a violent smash-and-grab robbery. Thankfully, he is now recovering. But the aftermath of such attacks has left many local business owners feeling vulnerable and unsafe. “I feel unsafe,” expressed John Phan, owner of Pho John. “If they do this to this business, they can do it to any other business.”
In response, DA Rosen’s office is rolling out new programs aimed at thwarting these criminal crews. The funds will provide 200 real-time surveillance devices for businesses across Santa Clara County, linking their security systems directly to the San Jose Police Department’s intelligence center. This technology will allow law enforcement to monitor crimes as they happen, drastically increasing response times.
“When a business participates in the program, our department members can see a crime as it happens using authorized camera feeds,” explained SJPD Chief Paul Joseph. “We then relay that information to responding officers.”
The City of San Jose has already seen success with similar safety technology in the past. Councilmember Domingo Candelas noted that a mobile surveillance program has nearly eradicated crime in monitored areas. “Bad actors who want to harm our city are always getting better at what they do, so our police department must do the same,” emphasized Mayor Matt Mahan.
Local leaders are calling on businesses to take action now. Those interested can purchase their own devices or register existing systems for police use at ConnectSanJose.org. The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated; as criminals evolve, so must the community’s defenses.
This developing situation highlights the ongoing struggle against organized retail crime in Santa Clara County, and local leaders are rallying support to ensure that businesses can thrive safely. As more details emerge, community members are urged to stay vigilant and engaged in the fight against crime.
