One of the most efficient tactics used by shops in the fight against theft is electronic article surveillance.

In an effort to reduce the US$123.4 billion cost of stealing that happens each year, 73% of merchants use EAS, according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer.

However, the effectiveness of EAS depends on how well it is applied and implemented. Its dependability rests on staying current and placing the appropriate tag on the appropriate merchandise in a time when thieves are becoming more intelligent and stealing advice is easily accessible online.

Finding security tags on the ground and discovering stolen goods is a very crucial indicator of your EAS.

Here are some explanations of why that can be the case and suggestions for what you can do to rebalance the security tag conflict in your favor.

Why am I finding tags on the floor?

There are few situations more unpleasant for a shopkeeper that has gone to the trouble of purchasing and attaching tags to their goods than learning that shoplifters have gotten around the security measures.

However, the fact is that there are a few fairly straightforward causes for this that may be avoided completely.

Here are a handful of them:

Inadequate Magnetization

Magnets serve as the locking mechanism for the majority of security tags. The magnetic detacher is used to open them again after they have been closed by magnetic force. Additionally, they are available in a variety of strengths, including Standard, SuperLock, HyperLock, and Multipolar.

When it comes to preventing stealing, standard strength tags used to be sufficient, and many stores still solely use them today.

However, criminals may now access a variety of strategies and tricks to get beyond this locking strength and buy detachers for these on the internet.

As a result, Hyperlock and Multipolar provide more security, with Superlock serving as the suggested minimum strength.

Wrong tag shape

Tags come in a variety of sizes and forms, with some being easier to circumvent than others, just as they vary in strength.

The less surface area a would-be thief may use as leverage when it comes to tag form, the more challenging it is to tear open a tag.

Because of this, clam shell-shaped tags are less vulnerable to fraud.

Incorrect pin head size

All clothing tags have two parts: the locking mechanism EAS tag (front) that holds the pin and locks it with a magnet or other mechanical device, and the pin component (or rear) that goes through the garment.

If you discover whole, unopened tags on the ground, it's likely that the merchandiser cut a small hole in the item or pushed the pin head through the clothing to remove the tag.

Using bigger pin heads in this situation is a potential option. Larger pin heads are not only more difficult to stealthily remove, but they also discourage shoplifters from trying since they increase the likelihood that the item would be damaged, lowering its value or aesthetic appeal.

The proper tag for the appropriate object

While clothing tags are often used to attach garments, a separate method is needed for other products like fashion accessories. For instance, lanyards that plug into security tags or cable tags may be a preferable option for protecting shoes and handbags.

It may be a sign that your lanyard or cable is not strengthened and is readily cut if you see cable or lanyard tags on the ground. Metal-reinforced lanyards and cables are available, making it considerably more difficult to cut them and remove the tag from an object.

Additional measures offered

It may be worthwhile to use extra deterrents in the form of benefit denial, such as ink tags, in addition to paying attention to the strength, shape, and pinhead size of your security tags.

Shoplifters are discouraged from trying to illegally remove security tags by using ink tags since doing so permanently stains the item with indelible ink.

Loss prevention, however, always requires a multifaceted strategy. In addition to EAS, it should include other tactics including staff development, employee screening, video surveillance, and a well-organized shop layout with expensive products placed where personnel can see them.

Further questions?

To learn more about which security tags are a good fit to upgrade at your retail store, INEO’s expert online support staff are able to assist you with the decision. Please reach out to Amit Pannu, at APannu@ineosolutionsinc.com. 

Additional Resources

-https://www.ineoproducts.com/

-https://www.securitytags.com/