A firsthand look at how AI-powered security monitoring is protecting our tenants and properties across Orange County
Published by Trico Realty, Inc. · Costa Mesa, CA · DRE #00342120
Why We Made the Switch
At Trico Realty, we’ve been managing industrial and commercial properties in Orange County for over 55 years. In that time, we’ve tried a lot of approaches to property security — including traditional on-site security guards. But as times changed and the challenges at our properties evolved, we needed a more effective and cost-efficient solution.
That’s when we brought in Bandit Systems, an AI-powered security monitoring platform that uses live camera monitoring, on-site speakers, and direct law enforcement coordination to protect our properties after hours.
We asked two of our Property Managers — David, who oversees several of our business parks, and Andrea, who manages several of our properties across Orange County and the Inland Empire — to share their firsthand experience. Here’s what they had to say.
The Problem We Were Trying to Solve
Before Bandit Systems, our properties were dealing with a range of after-hours security challenges: trespassing, theft, vandalism, illegal dumping, break-ins, and homeless encampments. On-site security guards weren’t getting the job done — and the cost wasn’t justified by the results.
“Since 2024, we brought them on because an on-site security guard was not getting the job done and we were still experiencing theft, vandalism, trash dumping, and trespassing.”
— David, Property Manager
For Andrea, the decision to add Bandit Systems at one of her properties was based on the positive experience other Property Managers had already had with the system at other Trico locations.
“The other PMs and I are really satisfied with their service. We are familiar with what they’re offering.”
— Andrea, Property Manager
Immediate and Measurable Impact
Crime and Incidents Dropped Significantly
The results were visible almost immediately. Within the first month of implementation at one of our business parks, Bandit Systems reported more than 30 security incidents — helping establish a clear security presence and deterring unauthorized activity.
“Within the first month, Bandit Systems made a significant impact through its active on-site monitoring and by contacting law enforcement when necessary. Since Bandit Systems’ implementation, activity from homeless individuals, trespassers, and other unauthorized persons has decreased dramatically as word has spread that the property is actively monitored.”
— David, Property Manager
Real Crimes Prevented and Investigated
The system hasn’t just deterred crime — it’s helped prevent it in real time and supported law enforcement investigations after the fact.
In one case, a tenant’s card shop was victimized by a daytime theft. Bandit Systems quickly provided video footage including images of the suspects, their vehicle, and the license plate number, which was shared with law enforcement.
In another incident, Bandit Systems’ monitoring team observed someone actively attempting to break into a tenant’s unit at night. Through the live speaker system, they instructed the individual to stop and advised that law enforcement had been contacted. The suspect fled before causing any damage.
Bandit Systems also helped identify a tenant who was conducting illegal activity in their unit during late-night hours. The evidence and reporting provided allowed Trico to address the issue promptly and remove the tenant from the property.
Mailbox Theft Addressed at One of Our Properties
At one of our Yorba Linda properties, tenants had been experiencing mailbox break-ins — a particularly frustrating issue because tenants were asking to leave their mail at the leasing office, which isn’t permitted by law. Bandit Systems cameras were directed toward all mailboxes, addressing the issue directly.
“Tenants were experiencing mailbox break-ins and losing checks. By directing Bandit Systems cameras toward the mailboxes, we were able to address it directly and give our tenants the peace of mind they deserved.”
— Andrea, Property Manager
After-Hours Coverage: Eyes and Ears When We’re Not There
One of the most significant operational shifts Bandit Systems has enabled is around after-hours incident response. Previously, our team had no real-time visibility into what was happening at our properties overnight. Now they do.
“Bandit Systems is now our eyes and ears on the property after hours when we are not there. It acts as an extra set of eyes, actively watching the property, addressing unauthorized individuals through its speaker system, and contacting law enforcement when someone refuses to comply.”
— David, Property Manager
Importantly, the system also reduces the need for staff to personally confront trespassers or suspicious individuals — a meaningful safety benefit for our team.
Andrea also highlighted how responsive Bandit Systems is when issues arise: the team sends weekly activity reports, provides notifications in real time when something is flagged, and is easy to reach by phone and email.
A Positive Impact on Tenants
The benefits haven’t gone unnoticed by our tenants. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from tenants who had previously experienced theft or trespassing at their units.
“Many tenants appreciated the added level of security and proactive monitoring. In fact, we had one tenant specifically request that additional cameras be installed near their unit as part of their leasing requirements.”
— David, Property Manager
For prospective tenants, Bandit Systems has also become a meaningful differentiator. Being able to tell a prospective tenant that the property is actively monitored — especially for businesses with valuable inventory or employees working outside normal hours — reinforces Trico’s commitment to well-managed, safe properties.
“It isn’t my primary selling point, but I bring it up with anyone not familiar with our properties. For our Inland Empire locations especially, it resonates — our tenants are part of that community and value knowing their business is protected in an area they call home.”
— Andrea, Property Manager
Operational and Financial Benefits
Beyond the security improvements, Bandit Systems has had a measurable impact on our operating costs.
“It has lowered our overall CAM costs because we are no longer paying for an on-site security guard. Less expensive than a security guard and more effective.”
— David, Property Manager
This cost reduction benefits both Trico and our tenants directly, since CAM expenses are passed through in NNN leases. A lower security cost means lower operating expenses across the portfolio.
What to Look for If You’re Considering Bandit Systems
Based on our experience, here’s what we’d tell another property owner or manager considering Bandit Systems:
- Try it at one property first and assess the impact before expanding
- Do your research and don’t hesitate to give them a call — they are very communicative before and during installation
- Expect a site walk before installation — they make camera placement suggestions and communicate with relevant tenants
- Understand that a real person monitors the live feeds — it’s not just recorded footage
- Weekly activity reports give you visibility into what’s happening at your property even when incidents don’t require escalation
One area to be aware of: Andrea noted that the system is installed in the electrical room and has occasionally gone offline, requiring troubleshooting with the Bandit Systems team. It’s worth discussing installation logistics and contingency procedures before going live.
The Bottom Line
Bandit Systems has had a meaningful and measurable impact on security across our properties. Crime is down. Tenants feel safer. Costs have been reduced. And our team has after-hours visibility they didn’t have before.
As David put it simply: “Try it out on one property and you will see an immediate impact.”
At Trico Realty, we’re continuing to evaluate which properties would benefit most from expanded coverage — and for any property where theft, trespassing, or vandalism is a recurring challenge, Bandit Systems is now our first recommendation.
Questions about property security or management? Contact Trico Realty at 714.751.4420 or visit tricorealty.com. To learn more about Bandit Systems, visit banditsystems.com.