Security Tags

4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SECURITY TAG ALARMS

The fact that electronic article surveillance (EAS) notifies your workers to a suspected theft is by far the most effective aspect. 

 This helps retail employees to focus on the task at hand rather than being distracted by looking for shoplifters on the shop floor. 

There are, however, a few pointers to guarantee that alarms only sound when they should and that your employees understand what each alert implies. 

 So here are four things you should be aware of when it comes to security tag alarms… 

The significance of excellent practices in EAS 

As a retail loss prevention tool, EAS is highly popular and effective. When security tags and/or security labels are applied on items, the system detects them and, when they approach a zone near the shop exit, an alarm sounds to inform employees that a theft may be taking place. 

The system, however, is only as good as the regulations, processes, and education that it is surrounded by. 

That means your workers should be instructed on how EAS works and how to respond appropriately to a warning and its implications. 

Tag Pollution 

When another store fails to properly deactivate or remove a tag, tag pollution arises. Your EAS system may trigger when a consumer carrying that item enters your retail area. 

Most EAS antennas now incorporate a lighting system that shows if an alert is being triggered by an incoming or outgoing tag. 

The meaning of the illumination on the EAS antenna should be explained to the staff. 

When it’s likely that a tag from another business has triggered your alarm, they should be taught measures to follow, such as verifying the shopper’s bag. 

Alarm Fatigue  

It implies something when an EAS antenna raises an alarm. However, some establishments fail to follow EAS best practices, and the alert rings so frequently that employees become oblivious to its possible implications. 

This is generally due to one of four factors: 

Pollution should be labelled. 

Tags in the forbidden zone 

Failure to detach tags or deactivate labels appropriately. 

Inadequate EAS system maintenance and incorrect inspections. 

So, what exactly do each of these terms imply? 

The No Tag Zone 

A no-tag zone is defined as the area between and surrounding the EAS antenna. This is an area where branded or labelled items, as well as decorations with a high foil content, should be avoided. 

If there are any marked or labelled things in this vicinity, the EAS antenna will most likely sound. 

The EAS system is usually within six feet of the “No Tag” zone. 

As a quick check, extend your arms out like you’re performing a star leap and look around each pedestal for any security tags within reach or just out of reach. 

Alarms are produced by a tag in the area of the antenna in over 90% of documented occurrences of false alerting. 

Failure To Properly Detach Tags 

Security tags must be removed at the point of sale, while labels must be disabled, to prevent the EAS system from raising an alert when an item left the store. 

Staff should be thoroughly instructed on how to perform this efficiently, as well as provided with the necessary equipment. 

Deactivators can be included within the scanning area of the checkout so that the label is deactivated at the same time as the barcode is scanned during a sales transaction, whereas detachers are normally tethered to the POS. 

Daily Checks  

Your EAS system should be examined regularly and repaired as needed because it is a valuable piece of equipment that is meant to safeguard a merchant from loss. 

Your manufacturer’s recommendations are likely to specify exactly what checks and services are required, but at the very least, the system should be examined each morning before the store opens to verify it is powered up and operational. 

Staff should also make sure the label deactivator is turned on at the same time. 

Additional resources:  

https://www.securitytags.com/the-different-types-of-security-tags/ 

https://www.ineoproducts.com/blogs/industry-banter/tags-vs-labels-which-one-should-you-use 

https://www.ineoproducts.com/blogs/industry-banter/everything-you-need-to-know-about-security-labels 

 

lanyard tag, cable tag, strap tag security tag rf tag

Let’s talk lanyard, cable and strap tags

In the world of electronic article surveillance, hard tags have evolved to protect a wide variety of products ranging from clothing to liquor, eyewear and fashion accessories.

And one way they have improved to accommodate these different products is through the addition of cables, lanyards or straps.

Cables, lanyards and straps allow hard tags to be affixed to products like footwear, handbags and more, offering a simple yet secure solution where the pinhead of the tag is not required to pass through the product.

So let’s talk lanyard, cable, and strap tags, how they work and when they are used to best effect…

What is a lanyard or cable tag?

Cable and lanyard tags are available in a variety of styles, but the principle is always the same; rather than having the tag fix directly to the item and the tag pinhead pass through the product, in this instance the security tag is affixed to the item using a cable, lanyard or strap.

These lanyards and cables are available in different strengths featuring materials which are resistant to being cut such as steel or heavy-duty plastics.

Some lanyards have pins on the end which then lock into the tag, some have secure loops which fit onto the tag, while some feature adjustable straps that affix to the product like a zip-tie and have the tag built-in.

The benefit of these types of tag options is that they allow retailers the ability to affix security tags to a wide range of products while catering to items of different sizes, shapes and materials.

So what type of products do we mean?

Products suited to lanyard and cable tags

Lanyard and cable tags work with a wide variety of products but are particularly suited to those tricky items where it’s not appropriate for the pinhead of a hard to pass through the product.

That means they can be used on:

  • Handbags
  • Sports shoes
  • Sporting goods
  • Luggage
  • Hardware tools

Let’s look at some examples…

Handbags

Often made of premium materials like leather, handbags frequently feature in the most stolen items’ list for both department stores and designer brands.

High in value, and easy to re-sell on the black market, they are a target for both organized retail crime (ORC) and individual shoplifters.

To combat this, lanyards are often used to affix a hard tag to the handbag, with the lanyard able to pass through either the zip-puller or the strap of the bag.

Sports shoes

Believe it or not footwear ranks as the most commonly stolen item in the apparel and fashion accessories vertical, according to the most recent Global Retail Theft Barometer.

Lanyards and tags offer a means to protect these items in an innovative way, particularly when it comes to sports shoes. In this instance, the lanyard or cable is inserted through a lace hole in the shoe, and then locks onto an EAS hard tag.

Luggage

Like handbags, luggage is protected with tags and lanyards by looping the lanyard through the luggage handle or through the eye of the zip-puller.

Hardware tools

High in value and sought after by thieves, hardware tools often require an innovative approach to theft prevention. Again, this is where an option like the strap tag is ideal. It firmly affixes to power tools or hand tools, and allows the item to be monitored by EAS at a product-based level.

The final word

These are just some of the ways that lanyards, cables and straps are used in conjunction with EAS security tags to prevent the theft of tricky items.

Of course, they can also be applied to a whole host of other products when standard clothing tags simply aren’t suited to the task.

 

You can see our full range of lanyard, cable and strap tag options here.

retail-abounds-as-us-gets-back-to-business

Retail abounds as US gets back to business

A series of recent data has revealed just how much the retail landscape has improved since the doom and gloom that came with shutdowns this time last year.

Census data reveals year-over-year spending growth of 51.1 per cent in April, while retail cargo imports have hit record levels, and the National Retail Federation has tipped the US economy could see its fastest growth in more than three decades.

So, with a welcome abundance of good news currently circulating, let’s break down the data to gain a full picture of what’s currently happening in US retail.

April sales illustrate ‘off the chart’ annual growth

April sales illustrate ‘off the chart’ annual growth

This time last year, the US retail sector was grappling with the impact of widespread COVID shutdowns. A year later, Census data illustrates just how much things have improved.

April retail sales are holding steady, declining only slightly after a surge in March, but are up 51.1 per cent since the same time last year.

Commenting on the figures, the National Retail Federation noted the economy and consumer spending have proven to be much more resilient than many feared a year ago.

“Today’s year-over-year numbers are off the charts in some categories, reflecting the disparity between retailers that could remain open a year ago and those that were forced to shut down,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.

“Consumers may have tapped the brakes slightly in April compared with March, but it was like going from 100 mph to 85 mph compared with last year.

“The fuel from stimulus checks gave a strong boost to spending in March and the fact that April numbers are very close shows spending is clearly going forward and still strong.”

The NRF’s April figures further illustrate:

  • Clothing and clothing accessory stores were down 5.1 per cent month-over-month seasonally adjusted but up 711.3 per cent unadjusted year-over-year.
  • Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.7 per cent month-over-month seasonally adjusted but up 199.2 per cent unadjusted year-over-year.
  • Sporting goods stores were down 3.6 per cent month-over-month seasonally adjusted but up 155 per cent unadjusted year-over-year.
  • Electronics and appliance stores were up 1.2 per cent month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 139.9 per cent unadjusted year-over-year.
  • Building materials and garden supply stores were down 0.4 per cent month-over-month seasonally adjusted but up 32.9 per cent unadjusted year-over-year.
  • Health and personal care stores were up 1 per cent month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 24.6 per cent unadjusted year-over-year.
  • Online and other non-store sales were down 0.6 per cent month-over-month seasonally adjusted but up 14.8 per cent unadjusted year-over-year.
  • General merchandise stores were down 4.9 per cent month-over-month seasonally adjusted but up 13.6 per cent unadjusted year-over-year.
  • Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.4 per cent month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 0.3 per cent unadjusted year-over-year.

Record retail imports

Record retail imports

In a bid to cater to the increased product demand, retail cargo imports have hit record levels.

Data from March indicates US ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.27 million twenty-foot equivalent containers that month.

The NRF explains this was 21.2 per cent higher than February and set a new record for the number of containers seen during a single month since NRF began tracking imports in 2002.

They also note volume during the first half of 2021 is expected to be a third higher than last year.

Fastest economic growth since the ‘80s

With businesses reopening and increased consumer confidence, the NRF says the economy is now on firm footing and could see its fastest growth since the 1980s.

“While there is a great deal of uncertainty about how fast and far this economy will grow in 2021, surveys show an increase in individuals being vaccinated, more willingness to receive a vaccination, increased spending intentions and comfort with resuming pre-pandemic behaviours like shopping, travel and family gatherings,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.

“This feel-better situation will likely translate into higher levels of household spending, especially around upcoming holidays like the Fourth of July and spending associated with back-to-work and back-to-school.”

You can learn more about current trends emerging in US retail here. Or if you’re restocking your store and looking to protect your merchandise against theft, see our range of security tags and security labels.

Best practice tips for security tags and labels

Electronic article surveillance consistently ranks as one of the most effective strategies in the fight against retail shoplifting and employee theft.

Comprising security tags, security labels and antenna, the system sees merchandise protected at a product-based level, acting as a system that alerts retailers to incidents of theft.

But like all technology and indeed all loss prevention strategies, it is only as good as the practices, procedures and training that support it.

So here are our top best practice tips for security tags and labels…

Train your staff

An EAS system is designed to support your staff in the fight against shoplifting, but to do so it needs to be working effectively and staff should understand exactly how it functions.

Your EAS antenna should be checked daily to ensure the power is switched on, the antenna is working, and the label deactivators are also powered up and functioning correctly.

Meanwhile, staff should also be trained in the tag ‘no go’ zone around the antenna. This is the zone that should be kept clear of tagged merchandise, EAS labels, or even foil decorations that could interfere with the functioning of the antenna.

They should also be made aware of tag pollution that sometimes occurs when a tag has not been detached at another store and enters theirs.

Type, size and strength matters

Tags and labels come in different types and sizes.

Security tags

Security tags - Vitag - EAS
Featured products: Bosstag Super D Tag and Shell Ink Tab

When it comes to tags, there are different magnetic strengths and there are different types of tags suited to specific uses.

Strength

Security tags come in different strengths, including standard, super strength, hyper-strength and multi-polar. This strength impacts how easy it is for shoplifters to force the tag apart. Super strength is the minimum tag strength recommended with strengths above that offering additional security.

Types

In addition to clothing tags, there are also tags that are purpose-designed to protect items like liquor and eyewear.

Meanwhile, tags can be affixed to products in different ways as an alternative to having the tag pin pass through the product. Options include lanyards and cable tags which are suited to products like handbags or sports shoes.

Size

Tags are also available in different sizes and shapes, including circular, pencil-shaped, and square. Circular shapes where the size of the front of the tag corresponds with the back are often considered best as they are harder to prise apart.

Pinhead size

There are also different sizes available for the pinheads that secure a tag to a product. The larger the pinhead, the harder it is for a shoplifter to illegally force the pinhead through the product to remove it.

Security labels

security labels
Featured products: Sensormatic APX AM labels and Dummy barcode labels 30×30

Like tags, security labels come in either RF or AM frequencies. RF labels tend to be flat and can be printed on if required. AM labels have a slightly raised profile and are better suited to products with metal or foil in them.

Position is a priority

Where you position tags and labels on products matters in the interests of the look of your merchandise and also ease at the checkout when it comes to detaching tags and deactivating labels.

Tags

Security tags should be positioned so as not to interfere with the customer’s experience of the product. That positioning should also be uniform across similar products.

For example, tags might be positioned on the rear waistband of denim jeans, or the rear pocket. On shirts or blouses, they might be positioned on the back of the item, just below the collar.

Positioning tags uniformly looks neater in-store but also allows the sales associate to quickly find and detach them.

 

Labels

Labels should be positioned near the product barcode. This allows the label to be swiftly deactivated at the point of sale when the item is scanned.

Looking for more tips? You can learn more about the different types of security tags here, or view the different types of security labels and stickers here.

biggest-loss-prevention-mistakes-retailers-make

The biggest loss prevention mistakes retailers make

Battling retail loss is an ongoing challenge for retailers. With the cost of that loss currently at $61.7 billion in the US, the stakes have never been higher.

However, many retailers struggle to either understand where their loss is occurring or do not have sufficient strategies in place to address it. So let’s look at the five biggest loss prevention mistakes retailers make.

Not knowing their numbers

You cannot manage what you do not measure, so it’s imperative retailers understand exactly where loss is occurring and when it is most likely to happen.

Loss can be attributed to a number of factors in-store, including malicious threats like shoplifting and employee theft. It can also come down to non-malicious problems like human error. Loss may also occur in the supply chain, or via e-commerce.

Only when a retailer delves into the big picture of where their store’s weaknesses lie, are they able to develop the right strategies to combat that loss.

Failing to get back to basics

Not investing in loss prevention

Although some of the tactics involved in shoplifting, theft and fraud may have changed, the battle remains the same.

For retailer’s, it’s about getting back to basics and protecting their store, their products, and their bottom line.

Individual items should be protected at a product-based level, using tools like electronic article surveillance, security tags, and security labels.

The store should be protected via CCTV or perhaps security personnel. It should also be protected with policies and procedures that help eliminate theft and inadvertent loss.

Not involving staff in the fight

Staff are the first line of defence when it comes to minimizing loss at all levels in-store, and they should be actively involved in the fight.

Again, that comes down to systems, procedures and also staff training. Staff should be fully abreast of best practice for returns and gift cards. They should be screened during the employment process to help minimize employee theft, and then trained regarding the signs of shoplifting.

They should be aware of stock reconciliation procedures and inventory counting that help identify both in-store loss and loss in the supply chain.

Most importantly, they should be fully cognizant of how loss impacts them personally as employees, affecting the retail bottom line and therefore putting their employment at risk.

Underestimating their opponent

Underestimating their opponent

Contrary to popular belief, shoplifters do not fit one single profile. They come from all walks of life, all age brackets and all demographics.

The methods they use to shoplift also vary, ranging from concealment of small items to complex pre-planned thefts involving groups.

The mistake many retailers make is to believe they can easily spot a shoplifter and to assume theft will not happen to them.

On average, each retailer takes a 1.62 per cent hit to the bottom line due to retail loss, with shoplifting the primary suspect.

Not investing in loss prevention

To fight loss in store, retailers need to invest in loss prevention, and this is an ongoing investment where technology and tools need to be regularly updated.

The reality is, what worked five or 10 years ago may no longer suffice in terms of security. The internet means thieves are now more savvy, and have a wealth of information at their fingertips.

For retailers, combatting this evolving threat requires them to consistently evaluate their loss prevention measures and upgrade them where required, looking at new and improved ways to mitigate potential loss.

For more information about the latest loss prevention strategies and tools, see here. Or head directly to our catalogue or state-of-the-art security tags and security labels.

a-pros-guide-to-selecting-and-positioning-security-tags-header

A pro’s guide to selecting and positioning security tags

When it comes to security tags, where you position them is almost as important as the type and size you select.

Why? Because all these factors affect the customer’s experience of the product and also impact the speed at the Point of Sale.

So as a quick recap, here’s a pro’s guide to selecting and positioning security tags.

Type

Security tags come in a range of types and sizes that are suited to different types of apparel along with further products like eyewear, liquor, sporting goods, and even baby formula.

The type of tag you select affects the product’s security, while also impacting how a product looks on display and the customer experience when they try it on or interact with an item.

security tags size

Size

The size of the tag you opt for will be dependent on the type of product you are protecting.

For example, lingerie requires a smaller tag type than denim jeans, due to the delicate nature of the fabric used.

Meanwhile, bulky overcoats would be better suited to a larger tag with a longer pin, but footwear that uses a lanyard to secure a tag to the product benefits from smaller or pencil-shaped tags as this is less obtrusive.

Size also impacts the customer experience, which is why optical tags are designed to be small, liquor tags are designed not to obscure brand labels etc.

Position

Tags should be positioned with four factors in mind:

  • How well they protect the product. i.e. they should be positioned so they cannot be ripped or cut off without significantly damaging the item and rendering it useless
  • How they affect the look of the product on display
  • How they impact the customer’s experience of the product when trying it on or interacting with it
  • How easy they are for the staff member to find and detach at the Point of Sale

Where possible, tags should be positioned on products in a uniform manner. This affects the look of a store and how visually appealing it is when a customer is shopping.

Uniformity also allows a staff member to quickly locate the tag at the Point of Sale.

Pro tips for products

Security tags for general apparel

General apparel

Type: Round, square, pencil or alligator tags are suited to general apparel

Size: Size varies depending on the type of products stocked, but smaller tags are better suited to lightweight fabrics, while larger tags with longer pins are better for heavy items like coats, jackets, and denim jeans.

Position: Again, this varies depending on the product sold.

  • For dresses, shirts and t-shirts – the rear of the collar or the end of the sleeve are the best locations
  • For pants, slacks and jeans – the rear of the waistband or through a rear pocket is favored
  • For skirts – The rear of the waistband or the hem of heavyweight, knee-length skirts is preferred

Lingerie and swimwear

Type: Pencil tags, alligator tags or small round tags

Size: Smaller

Position: The position varies depending on the product.

  • Bras and bikinis – Alligator tags are positioned to pass across the bra or bikini strap, while other tags pin through the strap, near the bra clasp at the rear, or just beneath where the strap joins the cup on the front.
  • Negligees and underwear – When it comes to negligees, underwear, one-piece swimmers or bikini bottoms, the tag is positioned at the rear near the brand label, or on the lower size seam at about hip height.

Handbags and sporting shoesLanyard Security Tag

Type: Fashion items like handbags and shoes are generally best suited to tags with lanyards or cables. These lanyards or cables allow the tag to be affixed to the product without a pin passing through the item.

Size: The size of the tag can vary, but pencil tags in combination with lanyards often offer a more streamlined look

Position:

  • Handbags -In the case of handbags, the lanyard and tag are secured around the strap of the bag, or alternately they are secured to the hole in the zip slider.
  • Footwear – When it comes to sports shoes, or formal lace-up shoes, the lanyard with tag generally passes through the upper shoelace hole.

Sunglasses and eyewear Optical security tags

Type: Optical tag

Size: Small

Position: Optical tags are designed specifically to fit snugly around the arm of sunglasses and eyewear and are small enough not to interfere with the customer experience of the product.

LiquorLiquor Security Tags

Type: Liquor (bottle cap) tag

Size: This depends on the bottle cap size, with standard and large-sized tags available

Position: Over the cap of the bottle

You can view our extensive range of security tags here, and find more details about selecting the right tags for your store here.

The other uses for security tags

More than apparel protection – The other uses for security tags

When it comes to electronic article surveillance, people most often associate security tags with protecting clothing from theft.

And it’s true, in the past, apparel protection was indeed a popular use for security tags.

But over the years the design and technology of security tags has extended to encompass far more than just clothing, and now they can be applied to bottle tops, eyewear, electronics, fashion accessories and so much more.

So, let’s look to the other uses for security tags and how they’ve come to protect far more than apparel.

A little history

When it comes to electronic article surveillance, people most often associate security tags with protecting clothing from theft.

And it’s true, in the past, apparel protection was indeed a popular use for security tags.

But over the years the design and technology of security tags has extended to encompass far more than just clothing, and now they can be applied to bottle tops, eyewear, electronics, fashion accessories and so much more.

So, let’s look to the other uses for security tags and how they’ve come to protect far more than apparel.

Popular option for apparel

Security tags for apparel

The simple design of security tags makes them a natural loss prevention strategy for apparel. Each tag features a transmitter which communicates with an antenna at the entryway of the store.

The tag is affixed to clothing via a pin that passes through the item and locks into the transmitter housing.

Easy to attach, the system provides a simple and effective option for protecting clothing. Tags can also be quickly removed at the point of sale using a specialised detacher and then re-used.

Over the years, however, innovation and design refinements have enabled the security tag to protect far more than just clothing.

Lanyards and cables

Lanyard security tags for accessories

The addition of lanyards and cables allows security tags to be affixed to products including fashion accessories, handbags, and even shoes.

This simple fixture sees the cable lock into the tag where the transmitter is housed and offers a wealth of flexibility in terms of products it can be applied to.

Importantly, the lanyard or cable removes the need for a pin to pass through a product, making this method ideal for high-value products made of materials like leather.

Liquor bottles and eyewear

Optical and liquor security tags

In addition to hard tags, lanyards and cables, security tags have also been developed for specific purposes.

These include tags which protect liquor, eyewear, and even baby formula from theft.

For example, liquor bottle tags affix to the cap of a bottle and stop the product being stolen or consumed in-store, while optical tags grip firmly onto the arm of eyewear, but are small enough not to interfere with the customer experience of the product.

Spider wraps

Another innovation of the security tag is the spider wrap, which sees expandable cables wrap around a product then lock into a tag. The tag sounds an alarm when a product is being removed from a store or when the cables are tampered with.

Security labels

Security labels

Meanwhile, EAS has also evolved to include security labels, which are often used for low value, high volume products.

These work on the same principle as security tags, but are deactivated, rather than detached at the point of sale, and are used to protect products like books, CDs, pharmaceuticals and more.

For more information on finding the right tag or label to suit your loss prevention needs, see here, or contact our team directly for further advice.

Five things you need to know about security tag pins

Five things you need to know about security tag pins

When most people consider the highly-successful loss prevention strategy that is security tags, their mind turns to technology. After all these are the nifty little loss prevention tools that actively alert retail staff to a theft while it’s occurring.

While the tag may accommodate the tech side of things, one critical component of any security tag is the pin. This essential element of a security tag locks the tag to a product and has a major impact on whether your tag can be illicitly removed.

So without further ado let’s look at five things you need to know about security tag pins.

What are security tag pins?

Security tags comprise three important elements

  • The actual tag – which houses a transmitter that remains in constant contact with an EAS antenna. (This is the element that causes an alarm to sound when an item is leaving the store during a theft.)
  • The lock – which is also housed in the tag (these come in different magnetic strengths. SuperLock is considered the minimum strength required)
  • The pin – which essentially comprises a pin head and pin shaft. The pin head sits on one side of product, and the pin shaft passes through the item before locking securely into the magnetic lock of the security tag. The pin and tag can then only be separated using a detacher, so in a nutshell, the pin’s job is to secure a tag to an item.

So here’s what you need to consider…

Pinhead size

5 things you need to know about security tag pins

Pins are available with different pinhead sizes which range from small to large. The larger the pinhead size the harder it is to force through a product without causing significant damage.

Pro tip: if your retail outlet is finding complete tags including pinheads on the floor or secreted in the change room, it is likely due to a small pinhead being forced through a product.

Pinhead shape

Just as pinheads come in different sizes they also come in different shapes. The most secure sizes and shapes are those which directly correspond with the size and shape of the security tag. In addition, round tags and corresponding pinheads offer less surface area so are harder to prise apart.

Pro tip: If your retail outlet finds tags and pinheads illicitly removed but separated, chances are it’s because:

a) the magnetic lock isn’t strong enough and you need to upgrade to SuperLock, HyperLock or Multi-polar, or

b) shoplifters are managing to prise these apart due to the shape and surface area of the pinhead in relation to the tag.

Pin texture

Pinheads also come with either smooth shafts or grooved shafts, and in this case the product you’re protecting may impact the option you choose.

For example, sheer fabrics or products like bras may snag on grooved pin shafts, but on heavier fabrics the grooves assist with securing the pin into the locking mechanism.

Pro tip: There are usually three grooves on grooved pins to ensure you can lock the pin into the tag at a suitable position.

Pin length

Although they don’t vary greatly, pins are also available in different lengths including 15mm, 16mm and 17mm.

Pro tip: Longer pinheads are good for bulky materials like denim as that extra length may be beneficial.

Ink pinheads

In addition to different shapes, sizes and lengths, pins are also available with benefit denial features like ink dye. These are designed to stop shoplifters attempting to remove a tag and they work by releasing ink into a product if the tag is tampered with.

Effectively this ruins the product, so trying to remove the tag and then steal an item denies shoplifters any benefit.

Pro tip: If tag tampering is a major issue in your store and larger pinheads or corresponding shapes aren’t enough to deter thieves from attempting to remove a tag, ink tags can be beneficial.

You can shop our comprehensive range of security tag pins here.

Bottle cap tag

Spotlight on the bottle cap tag

Security tags come in a range of sizes and shapes, with some designed to accommodate specific purposes and products. One such security tag is the bottle cap tag.

Designed to guard against the shoplifting and theft of liquor, bottle cap tags are available in a series of sizes to accommodate both RF and AM electronic article surveillance systems.

Here’s how they work and the benefits they offer.

Some facts about liquor theft

According to the most recent Global Retail Theft Barometer, wines and spirits rank as the most commonly stolen items in the US food and beverage vertical.

And in many ways the reason for their pilfering popularity is obvious. Not only are wines and spirits sought after for personal consumption, but high-end brands also command a high resale value.

That makes liquor a target for casual shoplifters stealing out of addiction, opportunistic juvenile thieves stealing for the thrill and also organized retail crime, who steal to re-sell the items.

The Global Retail Theft Barometer also explains spirits and wines are relatively easy to conceal, making them a natural target for shoplifting and theft.

In North America, that’s resulted in a spike in liquor thefts in recent years, especially in Canada where liquor theft has been labelled an epidemic in areas like Winnipeg and Alberta.

CBC news recently reported robberies at liquor stores in Winnipeg had been spiking for more than a year, “with thieves boldly swarming the aisles and filling backpacks and other bags with armloads of bottles before walking past staff, who have been warned not to intervene out of fear of attacks”.

“At times, staff have been threatened with weapons, including knives and pepper spray. In other cases, thieves have picked up bottles and used them as weapons, too”.

And it’s not just north of the Canadian border where an increase in thefts is occurring.

On March 2, sheriffs in Baton Rouge, Louisiana put out a call for public assistance after a couple went on a shoplifting spree, stealing liquor from multiple retailers throughout the capital area.

And that’s where targeted loss prevention strategies like bottle cap tags come into their own.

What is a bottle cap tag?

Bottle cap tag

Suited to a range of bottle sizes, bottle cap tags fit over the cap of the liquor or wine bottle and lock into position. They can only be removed with a specialist magnetic detacher.

Each tag is also fitted with a receiver that will alarm when in the proximity of the store’s electronic article surveillance (EAS) during an attempted theft.

Together, these two strategies ensure the bottle cannot be opened for the contents to be consumed instore, while any attempted theft of the bottle will cause an alarm to sound.

Bottlecap tags are available to suit both AM (acousto magnetic) and RF (radio frequency) EAS systems, making them compatible with existing EAS systems that are likely to be on the premises.

They are available in both small and large sizes to suit wine and spirits including top-shelf liquors, champagnes and standard wine bottle openings.

Advantages

Easy to fit and reusable, bottle cap tags offer a host of benefits, including:

  • Eliminating alcohol consumption instore
  • Activating an alarm during a theft
  • Easy to apply
  • Reusable
  • Available for RF or AM EAS systems
  • Available in a range of sizes
  • Easy to remove at the Point of Sale
  • Act as a deterrent to liquor theft
  • Available in bulk
  • Cost effective to implement

You can order the Bottle Cap tag here.

Security tags

15 facts about security tags

In the ever-evolving world of loss prevention, one tool remains perennially popular in the fight against shrink – security tags.

Since they were first introduced in the the 1960s, security tags have become the go-to option to prevent shoplifting at a product-based level.

Widely used for apparel and items including eyewear, liquor bottles, and even shoes, security tags protect an item by causing an alarm to sound when a product is being stolen from a store.

Here are 15 facts you should know about security tags…

Part of EAS

Security tags are part of a loss prevention strategy known as electronic article surveillance (EAS). The system sees products affixed with tags or labels which then communicate with an antenna at the entrance of a store.

This antenna causes an alarm to sound when a tag is leaving the store, thereby alerting staff that theft is taking place.

Widely used

Mid last year, the National Retail Security Survey found 80.9 per cent of US retailers used EAS, with 46 per cent of retailers utilizing merchandise alarms/electronic security tags, and 34.9 per cent of retailers using acousto magnetic/electronic security tags.

Highly effective

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is considered the most successful, effective and scalable anti-shoplifting system available. After implementing an EAS system, retailers can expect an estimated 60-80 per cent decrease in external theft.

Two frequencies

Security tags

EAS and its accompanying security tags are available in two frequencies – Acousto Magnetic (AM) and radio frequency (RF).

AM (Acousto Magnetic) systems operate at 58 kHz, which means a signal is sent out in pulses or bursts between 50 and 90 times a second while (RF) Radio Frequency or RF operates in a sweep at 8.2 MHz.

60 years of security

Electronic article surveillance has been around since the 1960s, with the first ever electronic security tag invented in 1964.

Continually improving

In the years since security tags and EAS first hit the shop floor, they have continually improved. Now antennas are more accurate and more discrete, while security tags have evolved to suit almost any purpose.

Popularity rising

Security tags

The constant evolution of EAS and security tags has seen the popularity of this loss prevention system steadily increase.

In 2019, the National Retail Security Survey found US retail use of merchandise alarms/electronic security tags increased by 25.4 per cent since 2018, while adoption of acousto magnetic/electronic security tags rose by increase of 12.7 per cent.

Different strengths

Security tags are available with magnetic locking mechanisms that offer different strengths – standard, superlock, hyperlock and multi-polar. The higher the strength the harder it is for criminals to thwart them.

Magnet resistant

In addition to different strength locking mechanisms, magnet resistant options are also available.

Different purposes

When first developed, security tags were primarily used by apparel retailers due to the fact they could easily be affixed to clothing. Now tags have been purpose-designed to protect items like eyewear, liquor, and even golf clubs, while tags with lanyards or cables are frequently affixed to accessories like shoes and designer handbags.

Different shapes

Security tags

Tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This includes pencil-shaped tags, round tags, and square tags. Round tags are considered one of the hardest tags to remove because their circular shape resists being forced open.

Different pinheads

In addition to different shapes, different sized pinheads are also available to stop thieves forcing the pinhead through a clothing item. Larger pinheads are considered more secure because illicitly removing them involves cutting or ripping an item.

Ink dye options

Security tags can often be used in conjunction with ink dye. Available as part of the tag or in the pinhead, ink dye is a benefit denial strategy that reduces the likelihood of shoplifters tampering with tags.

All-in-one

One of the latest innovations in security tags is an all-in-one solution known as the Alligator Tag. This tag features a receiver in one end, a pin in the other and a hinge in between. It snaps shut to protect apparel and other clothing items like bras.

A label alternative

Security tags

Security tags are also complemented by security labels, which can be adhered to products or concealed within the packaging. Security labels are also available in AM and RF frequencies and are commonly used for items like non-perishable groceries, pharmaceuticals, books and CDs.

You can learn more about the common questions people have regarding security tags and electronic article surveillance here, or alternatively contact our friendly staff to see which options suit your retail outlet best.