COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new pilot program in Columbus aims to reduce package theft and help improve neighborhood safety by installing camera-equipped doorbells. 

The Porch Protection Program, funded through the American Rescue Plan, was announced by Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein on Monday. 

“Camera-equipped doorbells are an easy deterrent to crime and package theft, especially important now during the holidays,” said Klein in a news release. “This program can give families peace of mind, reduce theft in higher crime areas, and cut down on police calls for service. It’s a win-win for families and public safety.”

More than 700 camera-equipped doorbells will be distributed through the program across 10 Columbus ZIP codes that have the highest crime rates and calls for police service from the past year. Households must apply to enter the lottery for a camera by Dec. 9.

Entering the lottery does not guarantee a camera will be awarded. The city said it is a strict limit for one entry and one camera per household. The program will distribute the cameras for real time monitoring free of charge; however, any addition subscription based services will be the owner’s responsibility.

The winning households will be selected at random and the City Attorney’s Office will reach out on information for collecting their camera. 

To be eligible for the program, households/applicants must:

• Be at least 18-years-old or older
• Own the home or have a written notice from a landlord allowing the camera installation
• Earn up to 200% of the pederal poverty level
• Not be employed, or closely related to an employee of the city
• Live in a qualifying ZIP code: 43201, 43204, 43207, 43211, 43219, 43223, 43224, 43228, 43229 or 43232
• Have wireless internet at home

Law enforcement will not have access to any real time or archived footage captured on the cameras. To apply for the program, click here.