Downey residents could receive $250 for installing home security systems

The Downey City Council is considering a proposal to pay residents and businesses to install security systems. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

DOWNEY — The Downey City Council on Tuesday will consider a proposal to create a Home and Business Security Rebate Program aimed at improving public safety by encouraging the installation of security systems at local properties.

The proposed program would offer one-time rebates of up to $250 for residents and up to $1,500 for business owners to offset the cost of new, first-time security equipment, including surveillance cameras, alarm systems, motion sensors, and doorbell cameras.

Rebates would be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted.

City staff are recommending the use of $40,000 from Measure D funds to launch the initiative, which is modeled after similar efforts in neighboring cities such as Lakewood, Paramount, and Santa Fe Springs.

According to a city report, security systems can help deter crime, assist in police investigations, and improve response times. The proposed rebate program would exclude installation fees and tools, and would only apply to equipment purchased within 60 days of submitting an application.

If approved, the city aims to begin accepting applications on July 1. Applications would be available both online and at City Hall.