Interface Systems has announced a successful collaboration with Big Brand Tire & Service, whereby their AI-driven Virtual Perimeter Guard effectively curtailed after-hours break-ins and vandalism at a notably vulnerable location.
This solution, aimed at multi-location enterprises, underscores Interface Systems' commitment to delivering robust managed security services.
Security Challenges Faced by Big Brand Tire & Service
With over 300 stores nationwide, Big Brand Tire & Service consistently confronted security issues after hours. These troubles included repeated instances of trespassing, unlawful encampments, and theft, particularly involving expensive items such as tires and tools. The site also suffered from vandalism, including shattered windows and property damage, which raised safety concerns and operational disruptions.
Johnny Wedell, a Retail Commercial Operations Representative, highlighted the recurring need for managers to address transients on the property, some of whom exhibited hostility, necessitating overnight emergency repairs.
Cost of Security Incidents
Intrusions not only imposed financial burdens but also diverted employee resourcesRepairing minor damages like broken windows could surpass $1,000, with some break-ins causing over $15,000 in damage. These intrusions not only imposed financial burdens but also diverted employee resources, augmented safety hazards, and hindered routine business operations.
Recognizing the inadequacy of reactive measures, the company sought proactive security solutions to preempt these incidents.
Deployment of Virtual Perimeter Guard
Interface Systems implemented the Virtual Perimeter Guard in a particularly high-risk location of Big Brand Tire, leveraging the site's pre-existing network infrastructure for seamless integration.
During the initial setup, the system underwent calibration to adapt to the specific environmental and activity nuances of the site, thereby enhancing its threat detection precision.
Features of AI-Powered Security
Virtual Perimeter Guard is equipped with AI-enabled cameras capable of discerning genuine threatsVirtual Perimeter Guard is equipped with AI-enabled cameras capable of discerning genuine threats, such as humans or vehicles, from benign environmental movements. This system employs visible and audible deterrents, like strobe lights and automated announcements, to ward off potential intruders.
In situations where these deterrents are insufficient, alerts are sent to Interface’s Interactive Security Operations Center, where security experts perform live interventions and liaise with law enforcement if needed.
Achieved Results and Future Plans
Post-deployment, the site observed remarkable results: there were no further break-ins, and incidents of trespassing and loitering significantly dropped as persistent offenders ceased returning. An impressive 91 percent of incidents were defused automatically without needing human involvement, and security activations saw a 65 percent reduction within weeks. These enhancements minimized late-night alert disruptions and negated the necessity for after-hours property security responses.
"The biggest benefit of Virtual Perimeter Guard is the peace of mind that comes from knowing we’re no longer facing overnight break-ins," stated Tim Handel, Loss Prevention and Risk Management Manager at Big Brand Tire & Service. Given the success of this initial deployment, the company is contemplating wider implementation of the Virtual Perimeter Guard to fortify security across more locations.
Interface Systems, a foremost managed service provider delivering remote video monitoring, commercial security systems, business intelligence, and network services for multi-location enterprises, announced that Big Brand Tire & Service, one of the nation’s fastest-growing independent tire and automotive service providers, has eliminated costly overnight break-ins and significantly reduced trespassing and vandalism at a high-risk location.
The company achieved these results by deploying Interface Virtual Perimeter Guard, an AI-powered perimeter security solution designed to deter incidents before they occur.
Challenges
Operating more than 300 locations nationwide, Big Brand Tire & Service faced persistent after-hours security challenges at several sites. Store perimeters became frequent targets for trespassing, illegal encampments, and theft of high-value items, including tires and tools.
Incidents also included repeated vandalism, such as broken windows and property damage, creating safety concerns and operational disruption.
“We constantly had people in the back alley, and our managers had to regularly deal with transients on the property, some of whom became hostile. Some of our locations were facing frequent break-ins, and someone would have to come in the middle of the night to often board up a broken window,” said Johnny Wedell, Retail Commercial Operations Representative, Big Brand Tire & Service.
Security measures
Even relatively minor incidents, such as a broken window, could cost more than $1,000 to repair, while a single break-in resulted in damages exceeding $15,000. Beyond the direct financial impact, these events diverted staff time, increased safety risks, and disrupted day-to-day operations.
The company determined that reactive security measures were no longer sufficient and began looking for a proactive solution that could deter threats before incidents occurred.
Solution
Interface deployed its AI-powered Virtual Perimeter Guard at a high-risk Big Brand Tire location using the existing network infrastructure, allowing the system to be implemented without interrupting daily operations.
During an initial calibration phase, the system learned the site’s environment and activity patterns to improve detection accuracy.
About Virtual Perimeter Guard
Virtual Perimeter Guard uses AI-enabled cameras to distinguish genuine threats, such as people or vehicles, from environmental motion. When suspicious activity is detected, the system activates visible and audible deterrents, including strobe lights and pre-recorded audio warnings instructing individuals to leave the property.
If activity persists, alerts escalate to Interface’s U.S.-based Interactive Security Operations Center, where trained security professionals issue live voice-down interventions and coordinate with law enforcement when necessary.
Results
Following deployment, the site saw immediate and measurable results. Break-ins stopped entirely after installation, and monitoring reports showed a steep decline in trespassing and loitering as repeat offenders stopped returning. Ninety-one percent of events were resolved through automated deterrence without human intervention, and overall security activations were reduced by 65 percent within weeks.
The improvements also had a direct impact on daily operations, reducing late-night alerts and eliminating the need for overnight responses to secure the property.
Perimeter security
“The biggest benefit of Virtual Perimeter Guard is the peace of mind that comes from knowing we’re no longer facing overnight break-ins,” said Tim Handel, Loss Prevention and Risk Management Manager, Big Brand Tire & Service.
Based on the success of the initial deployment, Big Brand Tire & Service is now evaluating a broader rollout of Virtual Perimeter Guard across additional locations as part of its perimeter security strategy.
