Oakland Chinatown Merchants Look To Reduce Crime
OAKLAND (KCBS) _ Merchants and residents in Oakland's Chinatown are looking for help in buying and installing security cameras at the Lincoln Square Recreation Center.
Thousands of people use the busy center everyday, but the area is also attracting trouble.
"Hopefully, we'll put in about 6-8 cameras inside and 6-8 cameras outside," said Chinatown community leader Carl Chan.
KCBS' Bob Butler Reports:
He said budget problems in the city are not helping. Seniors have already donated about a thousand dollars, but they need a lot more.
"Right now, we are projecting it will cost no less than $20,000," said Chan.
He said they would like to get the cameras installed in time for Chinese New Year celebrations.
And unless you're committing a crime, Chan said privacy should not be a concern.
"If there is an incident, then we'll invite the police to look at the videotape," he said. "If nothing happens, the tape will be erased after so many days."
The Asian Advisory Council on Crime, a joint public-police organization, is spearheading the fundraising efforts.
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