EAS Systems
In the 1980s and 90s, EAS, or electronic article surveillance was touted as the new and game-changing technology for retailers. It anticipated that all products would be tagged with special tags and labels that would be detected by sensors as shoplifters left the retail outlets if the tags were not deactivated. This system has not proven to be as universal or effective as projected, for many reasons.
First, the tags had to be deactivated. If it was a simple UPC code with detection technology woven into the label, cashiers ostensibly could just pass the product over the scanner and nearby deactivator. No extra work, right? Wrong. For several brands of deactivation systems, the cashier needed to scan multiple times to deactivate the triggering method. The scanner would beep to show it had been neutralized. But when scanning quickly, cashiers often would not disarm the system and customers would encounter a loud alarm when they left the store, even though they had paid for the goods.
Second, the stick-on tags could be replaced easily in some devices. A courier company using the systems found that this was a common occurrence.
Third, the heavier clip-on tags used in clothing stores needed to be removed with a special tool, delaying cash-out procedures.
Fourth, the tags were costly, adding significant cost to relatively low-priced items.
Applying tags in-store was time-consuming, adding to labour costs, while EAS wands at exits had to be manned in order for the store to recover the goods taken.
Tags installed at the manufacturer often did not work.
These items also are processed at self-service checkouts, where customers do not have to scan twice or be responsible for preventing (illogically) their own theft. Alarm activation is almost epidemic in these stores, so that few bother to check the actual bags.
While many stores still use these systems with some degree of effectiveness, they do not offer a perfect solution to theft, by far.
Mirrors
Mirrors are old-school, but still a very effective theft deterrence tool. When they are strategically placed, they help security immensely. When they are poorly placed so that the thieves learn to use them to spot other customers, they are a terrible tool. An overabundance of mirrors (or cameras) tells shoplifters, suppliers, visitors to warehouses and employees that there likely is no one actually watching.
Dummy cameras
Dummy cameras, when properly balanced with actual cameras, can be a good deterrent. However, I knew of one businessman who installed a fake camera with blinking light and cable running to…Nowhere!
Cameras
Only three decades ago, cameras were huge, bulky items that had to be connected to a VCR player. Today, we use cameras that have enough memory for weeks of recording, can pick up incredible detail, connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and can be operated remotely. Many cost less than $30. They can be concealed in clocks, flowers, pens, smoke detectors, or buttons.
But the plethora of camera alternatives means that many business owners rely exclusively on the systems, but don’t know how to watch, where to install for maximum effect or what their limits are. Cameras can be one of the best tools for deterring and detecting theft, or can be completely useless, depending on how they are used.
Wi-Fi capable cameras
These systems only work where you have access to Wi-Fi that is uninterrupted, or where you have a cell phone used as a dedicated hot spot. They can alert you instantly to activity, but if you set them incorrectly, the built in delay to start will miss critical moments of a questionable action.
Motion sensors
Motion sensors can be tied to alarms, can trigger cameras, can activate a gate or lock or can be used only as an alarm mechanism. Motion sensors allow for less recording time, particularly at quiet times like overnight or in parking lots. They also can be triggered by keystroke action on targeted computers.
Door alarms
Door alarms commonly are used for fire systems but also serve to alert others when someone leaves by an unauthorized exit. Particularly in larger buildings, exit alarms should always be active.
Egress-jamming doors
These exits are more common in the USA than in Canada. They are particularly used in jewellery stores or liquor stores, where hold-up artists and grab-and-run thieves can be trapped between two sets of exit doors. Often, though, business owners use a singles set of doors, which traps the criminal inside the business with the employee.
The egress jamming should only take place where the thief or robbery suspect is the only person between the sets of doors.
Observation kiosks & catwalks
Like mirrors, these observation kiosks are old-school, but effective. In clothing stores or large warehouses, a simple pegboard 3 foot by 3 foot structure can house an investigator while they observe staff or customers.
With the high ceilings in many commercial buildings, an enclosed catwalk along the front (or rear) of the space can be used to monitor goings-on covertly.
Airport scanners
The belt or carousel scanner system used at airport customs or on cruise ships are effective tools for staff coming and going in highly sensitive or vulnerable areas.
P.O.P. Shopping cart scanners
A relatively recent invention is the shopping cart barcode scanner, enabling customers to scan items as they pick them up. They then proceed through checkouts, unhindered, until the alarm is activated by goods not scanned.
Self-serve scanning monitors (overhead)
Major retailers have used overhead cameras that detect when items are improperly scanned. They are expensive, however, and prone to error, leading to customer agitation.
Scale monitors
Scale monitors weigh and record the weight of items placed on them after scanning. The best systems are extremely sensitive and accurate, the cheapest a very poor investment.
Overt versus covert security systems
Deciding whether to use overt, obvious security systems or whether to use hidden devices depends on their intended purpose and location. If you are trying to catch a suspect, covert systems are best. However, having a mix of the two can allow you to funnel suspects into a given area that they feel is safe and catch them.
In most closed office or business environments, covert systems help maintain morale.