When Nelson Bros Express opened a new location in Waite Park (the building previously owned by Tom Thumb), they had some video surveillance equipment in place, but it was not functional. They were looking for a system that could integrate with as much of the existing equipment as possible and still give them the features and video quality they needed to make their gas station and convenience store a secure setting for their customers. The system also required high quality video to help recover losses from gas drive-off incidents and other internal and external thefts.

Gas drive-offs rob the average Minnesota gas station of hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars per month. Having a video surveillance system in place at gas stations/convenience stores is a critical tool in recovering losses from gas thefts and identifying the offenders.

Steve Pallansch, store manager, researched several vendors to find the best system and partner to fit their needs. They decided to choose Marco for a variety of reasons. Steve explained, “Clearwater Travel Plaza has been doing business with Marco for many years, and they are a reputable company. We chose Marco based on our relationship with them, and we liked the clarity and ease of operation of their system. It also integrated with our existing cameras which helped us defray additional camera costs.”

In August 2004, Scot Schreifels, Marco video specialist, installed a March Networks Digital Video Recording (DVR) system at Nelson Bros Express with one PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) camera on the outside light pole where their gas pumps are located. The camera is set up to perform a constant 60 second loop tour to capture video of activity at the gas pumps. It takes approximately one minute for the camera to capture all cars and license plates within camera range. The camera is programmed to focus in on the license plate number of the vehicles.

According to Steve, “The system has been a real life saver. The images are photographic clear. In many cases, we can even see the person standing there. The police departments love it!”

Nelson Bros Express’ new system has already proven to be worth their investment. Steve said, “Within the first month after the system was installed, we used it for loss prevention for an internal theft.”

The system is especially beneficial in recovering losses from gas drive-off thefts. Employees are flagged after a gas pump sits idle for seven minutes. They can then utilize the DVR system’s software on their PC to search and pinpoint the last person and car license plate that used that gas pump. “The system works kind of like a VCR where we can search and easily review the video to capture the incident according to the approximate time and day it occurred,” explained Steve. “We can then print the photo of the car license and person to give to the police and they take it from there. The pictures are more than legible.”

According to Steve, the March Networks DVR system helps Nelson Bros Express recover hundreds of dollars per month just from gas drive-off incidents and thefts. “The majority of the gas drive-offs are unintentional – people get distracted and inadvertently drive off without paying.”

Marco also integrated the March Networks DVR system with Nelson Bros Express’ eight existing cameras. The system is networked so staff from Clearwater Travel Plaza (their corporate office) can view the cameras across their DSL connection.

Steve was pleased with Marco’s installation of the March Networks DVR system. “The installation went very well – we had no problems at all,” said Steve. “We have always received good service response from Marco. Scot and Mara (Marco project manager) have helped me out with any technical issues that have come up. It’s reassuring to know that if something does go wrong, Marco will take care of it for us.”

He went on, “Our overall experience with Marco has been very good. They have fast service and courteous and professional people. We are very happy with our system and would recommend Marco.”

Located in Waite Park, Minnesota, Nelson Bros Express is a one-stop gas station and convenience store known for their great bakery items, coffee, and gourmet sandwiches made to order. In addition to gas, the location houses a carwash, drive-through for orders to go, and a mini restaurant with a small seating area. Nelson Bros Express is a branch location of the well-known Clearwater Travel Plaza.