How Does Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Prevent Shoplifting in Retail Stores

Electronic article surveillance (EAS) is a type of system used to prevent shoplifting. If you've ever been to a store and heard an alarm when somebody was exiting you've seen the EAS system in action. The system is designed to detect unpaid items in people's pockets or bags as they are leaving the store. It typically consists of two components: the EAS antennas and EAS tags or labels.

EAS antennas, sometimes called pedestals, are commonly installed at store entrances. EAS tags and labels, on the other hand, are attached to the merchandise to be protected. EAS antennas send and listen to signals at a specific frequency, usually within a range of six to eight feet. When an EAS tag or label passes between the antennas, it is detected and the store alarm is activated. To prevent unnecessary alarms, store cashiers remove or deactivate EAS tags and labels at the point of purchase.