Electronic article surveillance (EAS) is used for preventing shoplifting from retail stores, pilferage of books from libraries or removal of properties from office buildings. Special tags are fixed to merchandise or books. These tags are removed or deactivated by the clerks when the item is properly bought or checked out. At the exits of the store, a detection system sounds an alarm or otherwise alerts the staff when it senses active tags. Some stores also have detection systems at the entrance to the restrooms that sound an alarm if someone tries to take unpaid merchandise with them into the restroom. EAS systems can provide a solid deterrent against casual theft. The occasional shoplifter, not being familiar with these systems and their mode of operation, will either get caught by them, or preferably, drop the idea of attempting any theft in the first place.
- Discourages people from attempting theft
- Hard to remove or deactivate for shoplifters
- High detection rate to protect all kinds of goods from theft
- False alarm immunity to prevent customer embarrassment
