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.

Facing frequent break-ins

“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.

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.

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.

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.

Immediate and measurable 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.

“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, according to Interface, Big Brand Tire & Service is now evaluating a broader rollout of Virtual Perimeter Guard across additional locations as part of its perimeter security strategy.