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If you are finding that your security antennas are not working to your satisfaction, or are causing false alarms, please check the following:
If you have checked all of the above and still cannot find the origin of the problem, please contact us at 604-244-1895
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems remain one of the most effective tools for protecting retail merchandise against theft and shrinkage. However, frequent false alarms can desensitise staff, disrupt store operations, and negatively impact the customer experience.
Here are 10 practical tips to help reduce false EAS alarms in your store.
EAS antennas should be tested regularly to ensure they are operating correctly. Ideally, staff should perform a daily system check before opening, following the manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
One of the most common causes of false alarms is the incorrect deactivation of labels or the failure to remove security tags.
As part of daily checks, ensure all label deactivators are powered on and functioning correctly. Staff should also be thoroughly trained in proper tag removal procedures, with tag detachers readily available at every point of sale.
The area surrounding EAS antennas should remain clear of product displays, clothing racks, LCD screens, decorations, and other materials that may interfere with the system. Items containing foil or metal can often trigger false alarms.
The recommended “No Tag” zone generally extends within two metres of the EAS system.
A simple rule of thumb: stand beside the pedestal, stretch your arms outward, and ensure there are no tagged items within or just beyond your reach.
In more than 90% of reported false alarm cases, the cause is a tag positioned too close to the antenna.
The point of sale is the ideal location for removing tags and deactivating labels. This enables staff to scan, deactivate, and complete the transaction in one smooth process.
Tag detachers can be integrated into or attached to POS counters, while label deactivators can be installed above, below, or directly within scanning equipment.
Correct tag and label placement improves both detection performance and deactivation efficiency.
Security labels should ideally be positioned near the barcode without obstructing it, allowing for quick scanning and deactivation at checkout.
Security tags should be placed where they do not interfere with the customer’s interaction with the product, while still remaining easy for staff to locate and remove.
Creating a consistent store-wide tagging guide can help standardise placement and reduce errors.
Some advanced EAS systems include adjustable sensitivity settings and filtering capabilities to minimise interference from nearby electronics and environmental factors.
In busy retail environments, sensitivity levels may need adjustment by your EAS provider. Many modern systems can now be calibrated remotely via internet access.
Tag pollution occurs when security labels or tags from other retailers are not properly deactivated or removed, causing alarms in your store.
Many modern EAS systems use multi-coloured LED indicators to show whether an alarm is triggered on entry or exit, helping staff identify tag pollution versus genuine theft attempts.
Ensure staff are trained to recognise and appropriately manage these situations.
The two most common EAS technologies are Radio Frequency (RF) and Acousto-Magnetic (AM).
RF systems are commonly used in high-volume retail environments where flat paper labels are preferred. AM systems, on the other hand, often provide wider exit coverage and better support for concealed installations.
Understanding the strengths of your system can help improve performance and reduce false alarms.
Regular staff training is essential to maintaining EAS effectiveness.
Employees should understand:
Ongoing refresher training helps ensure consistency across the store.
Every alarm event should be recorded and reviewed. Tracking alarm activity can help identify recurring issues such as:
Maintaining an alarm log enables retailers to identify trends, improve processes, and minimise unnecessary disruptions.
