Anti Theft Security: What You Need to Know

If you own a retail store, you know how important it is to protect your merchandise from theft. Shoplifting is a serious problem that can cost you money, reputation, and customer satisfaction. According to the Global Retail Theft Barometer, retailers worldwide lost $34.5 billion to shoplifting in 2020. That’s why you need to invest in Anti Theft Security systems that can deter, detect, and prevent theft in your store.

Anti Theft Security Systems are devices or technologies that help you monitor, control, and secure your inventory. They can alert you or your staff when someone tries to steal something, or they can prevent the theft from happening in the first place. There are different types of anti theft security systems available in the market, each with its own features, benefits, and drawbacks. In this blog post, we will explain what are anti theft security systems, how they work, and what are the different models you can choose from. We will also answer some common questions about anti theft security systems and provide some tips on how to use them effectively.

What are Anti Theft Security Systems?

Anti theft security systems are also known as Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems. They consist of three main components: tags, antennas, and deactivators/detachers.

• Tags are small devices that are attached to the products you want to protect. They can be either hard tags or soft tags. Hard tags are reusable and durable, but they require a special tool to remove them. Soft tags are disposable and flexible, but they can be easily damaged or removed. Tags can be either active or passive. Active tags have a battery and can emit a signal on their own. Passive tags have no battery and rely on the antenna to activate them.
• Antennas are devices that are installed at the exits of your store. They can be either pedestals or concealed. Pedestals are visible and can act as a deterrent for potential thieves. Concealed antennas are hidden in the floor, ceiling, or walls, and can provide a more aesthetic look for your store. Antennas can emit radio frequency (RF), acousto-magnetic (AM), or electromagnetic (EM) signals to communicate with the tags.
• Deactivators/detachers are devices that are used to deactivate or detach the tags from the products at the point of sale. Deactivators are used for soft tags, and they can either be integrated with the barcode scanner or separate. Detachers are used for hard tags, and they can either be manual or automatic.

How do Anti Theft Security Systems Work?

The basic principle of anti theft security systems is simple: when a tagged product passes through the antenna without being deactivated or detached, an alarm goes off. This alerts you or your staff that someone is trying to steal something from your store.

The way this works depends on the type of tag and antenna you use. Here are some examples:

• RF system: The antenna emits a low-power RF signal that activates the passive RF tag. The tag responds by sending back a signal with a unique code. The antenna detects the signal and verifies the code. If the code matches the one stored in the system, the antenna knows that the product is authorized to leave the store. If not, the antenna triggers an alarm.
• AM system: The antenna emits a low-frequency AM signal that activates the passive AM tag. The tag responds by sending back a signal with a specific frequency. The antenna detects the signal and measures its frequency. If the frequency is within a certain range, the antenna knows that the product is authorized to leave the store. If not, the antenna triggers an alarm.
• EM system: The antenna emits a high-frequency EM signal that magnetizes the passive EM tag. The tag responds by sending back a signal with a harmonic frequency. The antenna detects the signal and compares its frequency with the original one. If there is a difference, the antenna knows that the product is authorized to leave the store. If not, the antenna triggers an alarm.

What are the Different Models of Anti Theft Security Systems?

There are many models of anti theft security systems available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Checkpoint Systems: Checkpoint Systems is one of the leading providers of anti theft security systems in the world. They offer a wide range of products and solutions for different retail sectors, such as apparel, electronics, health and beauty, food and beverage, and more. Some of their products include:
  • Evolve iRange: This is a series of RF antennas that offer high performance, reliability, and design flexibility. They can be customized to fit any store layout and environment.
  • Evolve G10: This is an AM antenna that offers superior detection range and accuracy. It can detect tags up to 2.4 meters away and has a sleek and modern design.
  • Evolve Exclusive: This is an EM antenna that offers the highest level of security and protection. It can detect tags up to 1.8 meters away and has a discreet and elegant design.
• Sensormatic: Sensormatic is another leading provider of anti theft security systems in the world. They offer a variety of products and solutions for different retail sectors, such as fashion, grocery, pharmacy, home improvement, and more. Some of their products include:
  • Ultra•Post: This is an AM antenna that offers high performance, durability, and versatility. It can detect tags up to 2.5 meters away and has a robust and modular design.
  • Ultra•Exit: This is an AM antenna that offers high performance, aesthetics, and flexibility. It can detect tags up to 2.7 meters away and has a slim and transparent design.
  • Ultra•Max: This is an AM tag that offers high performance, reliability, and compatibility. It can be used with any AM system and has a strong and tamper-resistant design.
• Nedap: Nedap is another leading provider of anti theft security systems in the world. They offer a range of products and solutions for different retail sectors, such as fashion, sports, luxury, and more. Some of their products include:
  • iSense Lumen: This is an RF antenna that offers high performance, intelligence, and interactivity. It can detect tags up to 2 meters away and has a smart and colorful design.
  • iSense Proton: This is an RF antenna that offers high performance, simplicity, and affordability. It can detect tags up to 1.8 meters away and has a compact and minimalist design.
  • iD Top: This is an RF antenna that offers high performance, invisibility, and integration. It can detect tags up to 1.6 meters away and has a concealed and ceiling-mounted design.

Anti theft security systems are devices or technologies that help you monitor, control, and secure your inventory. They can alert you or your staff when someone tries to steal something, or they can prevent the theft from happening in the first place. There are many benefits of using anti theft security systems, such as:

• Constant protection: Anti theft security systems provide round-the-clock protection against burglars and break-ins. You don’t have to worry about your products being stolen when you are away or sleeping.
• Strong deterrent: Anti theft security systems can discourage potential thieves from targeting your store. When they see that you have an alarm system installed, they may think twice before attempting to steal anything.
• Uninterrupted functionality: Anti theft security systems can work even during power outages or network failures. Wireless systems use batteries, while hardwired systems use electricity from the source. You don’t have to worry about your system malfunctioning or stopping due to external factors.
• Can relocate: Anti theft security systems can be easily moved and installed at different locations. If you want to change your store layout or move to a new place, you can take your system with you and set it up again.
• Special features: Modern anti theft security systems can offer additional features that can enhance your store performance and customer experience. For example, some systems can detect fire, smoke, gas, or water emergencies and notify you immediately. Some systems can also provide you with data and insights on your inventory levels, sales trends, shrinkage rates, etc.
• Insurance discounts: Anti theft security systems can help you save money on your insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts for stores that have anti theft security systems installed, as they reduce the risk of losses and claims.
• Peace of mind: Anti theft security systems can give you a sense of security and safety. You can rest assured that your products are protected and your store is monitored at all times.

How to Choose the Best Anti Theft Security System for Your Store?

Choosing the best anti theft security system for your store depends on several factors, such as:

• Your budget: Different anti theft security systems have different prices, depending on the type, quality, and quantity of the components. You need to consider how much you are willing to spend on your anti theft security system and compare it with the potential benefits and savings you can get from it.
• Your store size: Different anti theft security systems have different detection ranges, depending on the type and power of the antennas. You need to consider how big your store is and how many exits you have. You also need to consider the layout of your store and the placement of your products. You want to make sure that your anti theft security system covers all the possible areas where theft can occur.
• Your store type: Different anti theft security systems have different features, depending on the type and functionality of the tags. You need to consider what kind of products you sell and how they are packaged. You also need to consider the preferences and expectations of your customers. You want to make sure that your anti theft security system matches your store type and enhances your customer experience.

How to Use Anti Theft Security Systems Effectively?

Installing an anti theft security system in your store is not enough to prevent theft. You also need to use it effectively by following some best practices, such as:

• Train your staff: Your staff are the ones who will operate your anti theft security system on a daily basis. You need to train them on how to use it properly, such as how to attach, deactivate, or detach the tags from the products; how to respond to the alarms; how to deal with suspicious customers; etc. You also need to educate them on the benefits of your anti theft security system and motivate them to use it consistently.
• Maintain your system: Your anti theft security system is a complex device that requires regular maintenance to function optimally. You need to check your system periodically for any faults or damages, such as broken or loose wires, faulty or missing tags, low or dead batteries, etc. You also need to update your system software whenever there are new versions or patches available.
• Monitor your system: Your anti theft security system can provide you with valuable data and insights on your store performance, such as inventory levels, sales trends, shrinkage rates, etc. You need to monitor your system regularly for any anomalies or issues, such as false alarms, missing products, low detection rates, etc. You also need to analyze your system data for any patterns or opportunities for improvement.

Common FAQs About Anti Theft Security Systems

Here are some common questions that people ask about anti theft security systems:

• Q: How effective are anti theft security systems?
• A: Anti theft security systems are proven to be effective in reducing shoplifting incidents and losses
• What are anti-theft systems and how do they work?
  • Anti-theft systems are devices that prevent unauthorized access to cars or other mobile systems. They use smart sensors and intelligent algorithms to detect theft attempts and raise an alarm or notify the user. Some anti-theft systems also use identification methods such as keys, RFID tags, biometric scans, or palm vein recognition to authenticate the user
• What are the benefits of anti-theft systems?
  • Anti-theft systems can protect valuables such as vehicles, personal property, and merchandise from being stolen. They can also reduce the cost of insurance, replacement, or recovery from theft. Anti-theft systems can also deter thieves by increasing the difficulty and risk of theft
• What are some common problems with anti-theft systems and how to fix them?
  • Sometimes, anti-theft systems can malfunction and prevent the user from starting their car or accessing their device. This can happen due to faulty sensors, dead batteries, lost keys, or corrupted codes. Some possible solutions are:
    • Check the security light on the dashboard. If it is flashing or stays on, it means the anti-theft system is activated and needs to be reset. You can try using a spare key, inserting the key in the ignition and turning it on and off several times, or disconnecting and reconnecting the battery
    • Check the immobilizer system. This is a device that prevents the engine from starting without the proper key or code. If the immobilizer is not working properly, you may need to reprogram it or replace it. Some immobilizers use a fixed code that is embedded in the key, while others use a changeable code that is generated by a security provider
    • Contact your dealer or manufacturer for assistance. They may have more information on how to troubleshoot your specific anti-theft system model and provide you with a replacement or repair service if needed.