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| Xtralis's ADPRO interactive video monitoring solution reduces theft and vandalism |
The challenge
Melbourne's Cheapest Cars sprawls over 5.5 acres and is one of the fastest growing car retailers in Melbourne, Australia. With a simple business philosophy of "providing unbeatable deals and service on the widest range of quality cars in Melbourne" the business has continued to thrive and expand.
Their security system consisted of dogs, PE Beams, an assortment of CCTV and VCRs, and an ongoing financial commitment for the manpower associated with security guards. The system struggled to provide adequate protection for the 550+ cars on the lot at any given time. Theft and vandalism were increasing and few offenders were caught.
Despite their best efforts to secure the premises, they continued to lose wheels and accessories from cars. Every time the phone rang at night the General Manager, Eddie Abelnica, would simply answer "What has gone now?" Mornings were often spent assessing damage and loss to property and cars, resulting in even more revenue loss due to lost sales time. Their insurance premiums were also increasing due to the high number of incidents.
The solution
Melbourne's Cheapest Cars asked security company Australian Security Rentals to deliver a solution to solve all their problems. Australian Security Rentals designed and implemented a security system utilizing a number of Xtralis' ADPRO range of security products.
An ADPRO FastTrace unit was installed at the car yard where it records and transmits high quality alarm event images back to Australian Security Rentals' ‘Video Control Room'. Fencing was also improved and outdoor intruder detection beams and new PTZ cameras were installed, all connected to the FastTrace unit.
When an intruder enters the site, the beams trigger the PTZ camera system. The images from the cameras are then transmitted by the FastTrace unit to the ‘Video Control Room'. Highly trained operators review the images and take appropriate action, based on their procedures. Such a response could be simply issuing an audio warning via the public address system installed at the car yard.
The ADPRO security system allows 2-way audio communication between the remote site and the ‘Video Control Room'. Issuing a warning such as "You in the black shirt. You are trespassing on this premises. Leave immediately or the Police will be called" has proven to be very effective. If further action is necessary the operator can contact security patrols or ask the Police to visit the site.
The results
The reduction in stock loss and vandalism since the installation of the ADPRO interactive video monitoring solution has been dramatic. Prior to the new security system being installed, Melbourne's Cheapest cars experienced, on average, one theft per week. During the two years since the ADPRO system was installed they have had only one failed theft attempt.
Whilst the ADPRO security system has certainly solved Melbourne's Cheapest Cars' security problems, it has also given them other benefits. It is used to record all stock movement in and out of the site, allowing video confirmation of who was driving which vehicle at any time. This ensures that any speeding tickets or other misdemeanours can be assigned to the right person, with evidential-quality video to support the action.
By virtually eliminating theft from the site and slashing ongoing security manpower costs, the ADPRO system has more than paid for itself in a short time. But it has also given peace of mind to management. "I can now sleep at night knowing that the cars and the premises are secure and that somebody is watching over the site at night" says Eddie, General Manager of Melbourne's Cheapest Cars.
