In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the increasing crime rates in New York State, particularly retail theft, and the measures being taken to combat this trend. Governor Hochul's administration has awarded a grant of $490,000 to enhance surveillance capabilities in key areas, including the Route 96 Corridor in Victor and Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua. The funding will be used to install 10 new surveillance cameras and 25 license plate readers aimed at deterring crime and aiding law enforcement.

The sheriff's department emphasized that these tools are intended to be reactive rather than proactive, primarily assisting in the identification of stolen vehicles and suspects involved in criminal activities. The license plate readers will alert officers to vehicles reported stolen or associated with criminal activity, while the surveillance cameras will help monitor areas known for drug trafficking and other offenses.

However, the expansion of surveillance technology has raised concerns among some committee members regarding privacy implications. One member expressed strong opposition, likening the situation to a \"Big Brother\" scenario, where constant monitoring could infringe on individual privacy rights. They argued that the proliferation of cameras and surveillance equipment creates an \"obscene blanket of surveillance\" that could lead to further erosion of personal freedoms.

Despite these concerns, law enforcement officials defended the necessity of the surveillance measures, citing their effectiveness in reducing crime and enhancing public safety. The meeting concluded with a vote on the resolution, which passed amid ongoing debates about the balance between security and privacy in the community.