NCJ Number
83328
Journal
Security Management Volume: 26 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1982) Pages: 39-41,43
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The use of electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems to control shoplifting in supermarkets by tagging selected merchandise is explained.
Abstract
EAS systems have been used with varying degrees of success in department stores and specialty stores, but are virtually unknown in the supermarket industry. In contrast to traditional security systems which emphasize the sureveillance of customers, EAS focuses on articles which are likely to be stolen. If customers try to conceal the tagged merchandise, an alarm is activated as they pass through sensors placed at the checkout registers. One supermarket chain has used EAS at selected stores for about 2 years. Over two-thirds of the tags are used in the meat department; the rest are placed on nonfood items of high value such as paperback books, cosmetics, and jeans. EAS tagging has been very successful. In one store in an area experiencing a high level of pilferage, 50 alarms were set off by customers walking out of the store with tagged items during the first 3 days after the system was installed. Now the alarm is set off only 4 or 5 times a week. A system should be carefully selected and tested to make sure that it is appropriate for a specific store. Those making the selection should contact as many EAS companies as possible, secure presentations from them, and compare their operations and costs. The EAS company chosen should have a staff of well-trained technicians who can install the system without disrupting store operations. Finally, the most important contributor to a system's success or failure is the proper labeling of merchandise at each store. A continuous system for attaching labels to the proper merchandise is necessary. Findings of a study showing that shoplifting losses in supermarkets are estimated to exceed $1 billion in 1981 are presented.