An anti-theft sensor is a device that is used in many areas of people's life. A variety of designs and designs makes it possible to use them for reliable protection against theft of almost any product. Most often, the anti-theft sensor is used in the sale of high-end alcohol and clothing.
Operation principle
The principle of operation of the device is simple. It is fixed on the product by means of a cable or needles - it all depends on the type of anti-theft sensors. Due to the strong fastening, the thief will not be able to remove the device without a special tool. If there is an attempt to take the goods out of the store, the antenna will receive a signal from the sensor. This will trigger a theft alert.
When choosing an anti-theft sensor, consider the following factors:
- device compatibility with products;
- dimensions of the exit from the store or the passage near the cash register;
- relevance of using reusable sensors;
- cost of equipment, consumables and installation;
- validthe level of interference at the installation site of the security device;
- guaranteed reliability of application;
- the level of shielding of sensors by the human body and metals;
- detection coefficient;
- level of the security system.
There are several types of anti-theft sensors.
Gate
Installations that can be seen in many stores are anti-theft gates. They are special frames located near the exit of the trading floor. Anti-theft gates can work in up to 95% of cases of illegal removal of goods. They are especially effective together with video surveillance.
As a rule, two montages are used in stores:
- On the way out. In this case, the cashier, when paying at the checkout, removes labels, tags or deactivates them.
- In the aisle between the ticket offices. The cashier will not deactivate the tags, but will carry them outside the installation. The buyer receives the goods with active labels. It is worth remembering that they may work in other outlets. This is a significant disadvantage. The advantage is saving labor and time for the store employee, and there is no need to purchase equipment for removing tags.
It is important to note that the operation of the gate can be damaged by nearby cables, electrical appliances, metal structures and even light bulbs. That is why it is recommended to install anti-theft systems at a sufficient distance from such objects.
Anti-theft systems
According to studies, the percentage of theft in a self-service store reaches 3% of the total turnover. For this reason, commercial enterprises, supermarkets, shops and hypermarkets, including a presentation room, simply need comprehensive anti-theft protection.
Anti-theft systems for stores are a set of solutions that are aimed at minimizing losses from theft, both by customers and employees in the trading floors. In terms of design, anti-theft systems may include the following equipment:
- anti-theft gate;
- stickers;
- tags;
- sensors;
- devices for decontamination or removal;
- CCTV and registration devices;
- review mirrors;
- Product protection devices on shelves and racks;
- mechanical devices;
- sensor devices with alarms and so on.
Electromagnetic sensors
These devices work in about 70% of cases of theft. This is considered a fairly high indicator, which indicates their reliability. A distinctive feature of this technology is that it makes it possible to apply various labels. Thus, it will be possible to avoid the effect of "addiction" of the security system to specific indicators.
Acoustic magnetic sensor
The device of this type is manufactured using acousto-magnetic technology. It is considered to be an effective solution. These sensorsare ubiquitous because they have a high success rate. The response efficiency reaches 95% of cases of attempted illegal removal of products from the store. Products are distinguished by high levels of protection against interference - thieves will not be able to drown out the product in any way or carry it in a Faraday cage. A characteristic feature of acoustomagnetic technology is a very small percentage of false alarms. This is due to the fact that the system will only respond to 4 consecutive identical impulses.
RF sensors
About radio frequency technology, it should be said that it is very commonly used. This moment is explained by the fact that this is a good solution due to the high response rates - up to 90%. In addition, RF sensors have an easy operation principle and low cost.
Labels
These stickers are considered to be the main component of the anti-theft product protection system in self-service stores. Anti-theft labels have found their purpose in marking products that are located on the shelves with a special magnetic chip. It is important that when using such labels, you can hide the protective layer on the sticker from the eyes of intruders. It is possible to apply a barcode or use a false barcode.
Compared to reusable plastic tags, labels are single use as they are nearly impossible to remove without damaging them. In the process of paying for the purchase, the cashier performs deactivation using a specialdevices.
Labels come in:
Radio frequency. Among them there are different types of stickers, namely rectangular, round and square. They are made from all kinds of films, paper. In addition, they have an RFID tab, consisting of an antenna and a chip. On some, a product bar code or certain information about it is applied. This characteristic makes radio frequency labels almost indispensable both for protection against illegal removal of products and for automating the accounting processes of goods sold. Sometimes RFID labels have a false barcode already applied. In addition, there are specific stickers for frozen products, which are highly sticky. Products operate at a frequency of 8.2 kHz
Acoustomagnetic. These products operate at a frequency of 58 kHz and are capable of operating with contact and contactless readers. They are used in protective systems corresponding to the type. AM stickers contain 2-3 metal plates that form a magnetic circuit
Electromagnetic. They are selected with the help of specialists, since they are not always suitable for anti-theft equipment. Their operating frequency reaches 25 kHz. Stickers are used in conjunction with other electromagnetic devices. The principle of operation is as follows: a poorly visible magnetic strip is applied to products that, falling into a magnetic field, provoke the appearance of sound vibrations. Stickers have a transparent base and are practically invisible to consumers. In addition, they can be barcoded. Such products aredifferent - deactivated and non-deactivated. Often they are used when marking metal goods
Conclusion
Anti-theft systems with sensors are reliable devices for protecting outlets. Naturally, they do not protect 100%, but even the presence of frames at the exit of the store can minimize the amount of unauthorized removal of goods.
