(WTTW News)

The city of Chicago will soon begin sending out reimbursements checks to residents and business owners who’ve applied for rebates on private cameras, lighting and other security devices.

Since its launch last month, more than 2,100 people have applied for rebates through the city’s Home and Business Protection Program, Chicago officials said Tuesday.

“These are devices that not only help people secure their own property, but we hope also aid in future investigations if crime occurs outside of the home, in partnership with the Chicago Police Department,” Tamara Mahal, head of the city’s Community Safety Coordination Center, said Tuesday.

According to Mahal, more than 1,700 people have applied for security camera rebates, 300 have sought outdoor lighting rebates, and 100 people have applied for reimbursements on GPS tracking devices.

Checks for the first round of applications will begin being sent out next week, Mahal said. The rebate program operates on a first-come, first-served basis until December, or until reimbursement funds are depleted.

Eligible applicants include homeowners, businesses, religious institutions and nonprofit organizations within the city. Tenants may also apply for rebates, if they have consent from the property owner. For the GPS trackers, applicants must own or lease a vehicle registered to a primary address in Chicago.

The city said it has budgeted more than $5 million for this program over the next two years.

The installation costs of cameras, lighting and GPS tracking devices are not eligible for reimbursement.

City officials previously asked those who participate in the program, as well as those who already have existing security cameras set up at their homes or businesses, to register those cameras with the CPD.

Police would not have direct access to anyone’s camera system, nor could they access camera footage without the owner’s consent. There’s also no requirement to provide any footage to the CPD at any time, according to the city.

For more information or to apply for a rebate, click here.

Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431