HOUSTON – A popular Midtown hangout called Axelrad is using artificial intelligence to fight a growing problem: vehicle break-ins.
At Axelrad Beer Garden, known for its hammocks, live music and Wednesday jazz nights, owner Adam Brackman said crime in the parking lot pushed him to look for solutions.
“It’s frustrating to see people get their cars broken into. It’s very violating, and I wanted to do whatever we could,” said Brackman.
Brackman said he first encountered the technology when he walked into another Houston restaurant’s parking lot and heard an automated voice warning customers to secure their belongings.
“I was like, wow, that’s amazing. What is that?” Brackman said.
He contacted SentriForce, a Houston-based surveillance company, and had the system installed.
The system uses AI-enabled cameras that detect when patrons walk away from their cars and enter the business.
SentriForce has been installing security cameras for about 20 years, but executives say this AI technology has been around for about a year and a half.
Steven Chiara, Director of Business Development at Central Force, said the goal is twofold—change criminal behavior and patron behavior.
“The AI lens knows when someone gets out of their car and triggers the audio reminder,” Shira explained. “We’ve found it’s much more effective than just putting up signs.”
The technology also features flashing lights and active video surveillance to deter thieves. SentriForce manages the footage on behalf of its clients, providing clips to businesses or law enforcement when needed.
Brackman said the results were immediate.
“There was an organized group breaking into cars in a very systematic way,” said Brackman. “By working with SentriForce and providing footage, Midtown was able to work with police to shut that ring down. Since then, there’s been no break-ins.”
The Near Northwest Management District is also investing in the technology, installing AI-powered cameras across a 16-square-mile area stretching from Antoine to T.C. Jester.
Wayne Norden, the president of the district, said public safety has always been their priority.
“Crime was the barrier preventing growth,” Norden said. “Since we started using this technology, we’ve seen a tremendous deterioration of crime.”
The district even created a grant program that reimburses businesses for lighting upgrades and offers free cameras for three to six months.
Walter Funes, director of public safety, said it’s about prevention as much as enforcement.
“Our purpose isn’t to catch people in the act, it’s to chase people away from the action,” Funes said. “If everybody adds these cameras, it sends a uniform statement, crime isn’t welcome here.”
SentriForce leaders said the technology is still developing but has already proven effective against vehicle burglaries, illegal dumping, and even copper theft.
The company also works directly with law enforcement, providing evidence used in investigations ranging from car break-ins to kidnappings and even homicides.
“We feel like we’ve made a significant impact already,” Chiara said. “As long as people leave laptop bags and backpacks in their cars, break-ins will happen. But if we can reduce the frequency, that’s a larger impact for the city overall.”
If you’re a business owner in the Near Northwest Management District and you’re interested in learning more about the grant, you can click HERE.
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