Featured in Loss Prevention Magazine: How Virtual Guard Services Reduced Security Costs by Up to 90%

Learn how Combination Security Solutions helped a leading retail operator improve situational awareness, accelerate response times, and reduce incidents through a smarter security model.

The Challenge

A leading retail outlet operator faced ongoing security challenges across a large, open-air property located in a dense urban environment. Loitering, organized retail theft, disturbances, drug-related activity, and unsafe parking practices continued to impact the property despite a significant on-site security presence. Like many large retail environments, the challenge wasn’t simply staffing. Maintaining visibility across a multi-block property, identifying incidents quickly, and responding consistently proved increasingly difficult. The organization needed a more scalable approach to improve operational awareness, accelerate response times, and enhance overall security effectiveness.

Rethinking the Traditional Security Model

Rather than adding additional guards, the organization sought a smarter security model. The goal was not simply to reduce costs. It was to improve visibility, strengthen situational awareness, and create a more proactive approach to security operations. Working with Combination Security Solutions (CSS), the organization implemented a layered Virtual Guard strategy that combined AI-enabled technology, real-time monitoring, voice intervention, and coordinated response protocols. The result was a shift from reactive patrol-based security to a model driven by real-time intelligence and operational visibility.

The CSS Virtual Guard Solution

CSS deployed a comprehensive Virtual Guard solution tailored to the property’s operating environment.

AI-Enabled Detection

AI-powered devices automatically identify people, vehicles, loitering activity, unauthorized access, and other predefined events, generating alerts without relying solely on manual observation.

Real-Time Voice Intervention

Live and automated talk-down capabilities help deter unwanted behavior before situations escalate.

24/7 Monitoring and Response

Security alerts are monitored in real time by Security Operations Center (SOC) resources that assess situations and coordinate response actions based on established protocols.

Enhanced Situational Awareness

Centralized monitoring provides greater visibility across the property, enabling teams to identify, document, and respond to activity that may previously have gone undetected or undocumented.

Coordinated Response

Technology, monitoring, and operational procedures work together to deliver faster and more consistent incident management. Rather than relying solely on the availability or location of an individual guard, response is supported by technology, monitoring, and operational processes working together as a unified system.

Collaboration with Local Law Enforcement

A critical component of the program’s success has been coordination with the Atlantic City Police Department. Through on-site collaboration, demonstrations, and testing, ACPD and security stakeholders explored how autonomous security technology, AI-driven analytics, firearm-detection scenarios, and real-time monitoring could complement community policing efforts in a high-traffic urban environment.

“The Atlantic City Police Department has built a strong and effective partnership through a shared commitment to public safety. Advanced camera technology enhances the ability to detect, investigate, and deter criminal activity, helping create a safer environment for shoppers, employees, and visitors alike.”

— Chief James A. Sarkos, Atlantic City Police Department

This collaboration helped strengthen situational awareness and provided valuable insight into how emerging technologies can support public safety, operational visibility, and coordinated responses.

Results: Measurable Operational and Financial Impact

The deployment delivered meaningful improvements across multiple areas of security performance.

Reduced Security Costs

Security expenses reduced by up to 90%
On-site staffing optimized from approximately 20 guards to 2
$225K+ projected savings in the first year of deployment

Faster Response

Average security alert response time improved to under 30 seconds
Incidents are addressed earlier, often before escalation
Response is no longer dependent on guard location or availability

Fewer Incidents

Overall incidents declined by 13–18%
Reductions in loitering, theft, and disturbances
Sustained improvements over time

Better Visibility

Improved operational awareness across the property
Enhanced incident documentation
Greater ability to identify and respond to previously undetected activity

Improved Environment

Increased sense of safety among employees
More welcoming experience for visitors
Positive impact on tenant satisfaction

Strategic Impact: A Smarter Security Model

This deployment reflects a broader shift in how retail operators approach security:

From reactive patrols to proactive detection and deterrence
From fragmented site visibility to centralized situational awareness and coordinated response
From labor-heavy staffing to technology-enabled operational efficiency
From limited visibility to centralized, real-time intelligence

The deployment demonstrates that modern security is not simply about reducing costs. It is about creating a smarter security ecosystem that improves visibility, supports better decision-making, and enables faster, more coordinated responses.

Key Takeaways for Loss Prevention Leaders

Technology extends coverage beyond the physical limits of guard patrols
Faster response times directly impact incident reduction
Real-time deterrence can prevent escalation before it occurs
Situational awareness improves decision-making and operational effectiveness
Hybrid models combining AI, monitoring, and targeted on-site staffing can outperform traditional guard-only approaches

Could Virtual Guard Services Work for Your Property?

If your organization is dealing with rising security costs, large property footprints, limited visibility, staffing challenges, or persistent unwanted activity, Virtual Guard Services may provide a more effective and scalable solution.

Request a Security Assessment to discover how Virtual Guard Services can help improve situational awareness, reduce risk, and optimize security operations across your property.