City to look at helping small stores buy security cameras

Recent fatal shootings at Boston convenience stores shows the city needs to help small businesses equip themselves with security cameras, Boston city councilors said today.

City Council President Mike Ross noted that the alleged killer of a Jamaica Plain clerk was captured relatively quickly because of surveillance cameras. In contrast, a Dorchester store at which another clerk was killed had no cameras.

"Many of these store owners don't hve the resources to pay for some of the things they should have in their stores," Ross said.

"I think it's a very important step at providing a sense of security for businesses that are under a tremendous amount of (financial) pressure," Councilor Chuck Turner (Roxbury), said, adding, however, some neighborhoods also need more cops walking the beat.