How Commercial Video Surveillance Combats Crime
Addressing Houston’s Rising Assault Rate

Houston's economic boom continues to attract businesses and investment, but with growth comes new security challenges. The city experienced a troubling 9% increase in aggravated assaults in 2024, jumping from under 17,000 incidents to over 18,000 cases that can directly impact commercial properties. For business owners, basic security cameras are no longer enough to protect patrons and properties. Modern commercial video surveillance equipped with artificial intelligence and advanced analytics provides the comprehensive protection today's businesses require.
SEE MORE: How Organizations Use Verkada Commercial Video Surveillance
Understanding the Problem
The numbers point to a concerning picture for Houston's commercial sector. Aggravated assaults spiked from less than 17,000 incidents in 2023 to over 18,000 in 2024, which includes aggravated robbery with weapons during business hours. These targeted incidents specifically affect retail stores, office buildings, and commercial properties throughout the Houston area.
Traditional security measures like basic cameras and alarm systems simply can't keep pace with these evolving threats. Static recording equipment only captures incidents after they happen, leaving businesses vulnerable during the critical moments when prevention could make the difference. Commercial properties face a four times higher burglary risk than residential locations, making advanced security solutions not just helpful, but essential for protecting employees, customers, and assets.
Beyond Basic Cameras: Verkada's Intelligent Detection
Unlike traditional security cameras that passively record, Verkada's video surveillance actively identifies threats before they escalate. The system's AI-powered behavioral analytics can detect aggressive postures, unusual gathering patterns, and suspicious loitering that often precede assault incidents. When weapons are present, the advanced detection algorithms immediately flag the threat and send real-time alerts to security personnel.
The platform's face search capabilities help Houston businesses identify repeat offenders or persons of interest within seconds. Line crossing alerts notify managers when unauthorized individuals enter restricted areas. Motion detection goes beyond simple movement, distinguishing between normal business activity and potential security concerns.
What sets Verkada apart is its ability to learn and adapt. The system processes data both on-camera and in the cloud, delivering instant analytics without network delays. The hybrid approach ensures your Houston commercial property stays protected even during internet outages, automatically syncing footage once connectivity returns.
A Proactive Approach to Security
Traditional security forces businesses to respond after incidents occur, often when it's too late to prevent damage or injury. Verkada's commercial video surveillance shifts Houston businesses into prevention mode through 24/7 cloud-based monitoring that identifies threats in real time. The system's occupancy trends feature analyzes foot traffic patterns, helping managers identify peak risk periods when assaults typically occur.
Integration capabilities enable seamless connection with Houston law enforcement and private security services, dramatically reducing response times when incidents are detected. The centralized Command platform allows business owners to monitor multiple Houston locations from anywhere, ensuring consistent security coverage without requiring constant on-site supervision.
During emergencies, remote lockdown capabilities can secure facilities instantly, while emergency protocols automatically notify authorities and key personnel. This proactive approach transforms security from a reactive expense into a strategic business advantage.
Benefits for Businesses
The financial impact of a single assault incident extends far beyond immediate medical costs. Legal liability, worker compensation claims, lost productivity, and reputation damage can cost Houston businesses tens of thousands of dollars per incident. Investing in advanced video surveillance provides measurable protection against these escalating expenses.
Insurance carriers often reduce premiums for businesses with comprehensive security systems, while detailed incident documentation protects against fraudulent claims. Employee retention improves significantly when staff feel safe at work—a critical advantage in a competitive job market.
Perhaps most importantly, the comprehensive incident management system provides complete legal documentation should incidents occur, protecting businesses from liability while ensuring proper evidence collection for law enforcement.
Want a better solution to keep your business safe? With over six decades of experience protecting Texas businesses across industries from healthcare to retail, ASAP Security Services understands the unique security challenges Houston commercial properties face. Call (877) 418-ASAP, fill out our contact form, or start a live chat with us below. We look forward to helping you.