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Detaching devi ces – a new threat to retail security
The Sensormatic detacher hook is a topic of hot discussion on the Internet lately, due to the discovery that the device can be used to remove Sensormatic branded ink tags from clothing and retail merchandise. In actual fact, the detacher hook was originally manufactured as a replacement part for the AMD-3040 hand-held detacher gun but, as many videos on the Internet demonstrate, this ‘spare' part can also be used by itself to quickly and easily remove these types of security tags.
So why would individuals want such a product? Many reports across various websites, such as those where users ask questions and provide answers to one another, state that retailers sometimes leave the ink tags on their merchandise. Often, the customer arrives home only to find the security tag has not been removed from their item, and is faced with the option of either taking it back to the store, or removing it themselves.
In the past, ink tag removal used to be something that only retailers could do with expensive and bulky devices, but the readily available Sensormatic hook changed all that. Now, savvy individuals can obtain the tool for a small investment of under US$35... But suddenly, retailer's who have opted for Supertag security in their efforts of asset protection, become exposed to a new threat.
Some users of the magnetic detacher hook have unashamedly left anonymous messages across various Internet forums, touting that their purchase of the detaching device has "paid itself off within one use". So it has become obvious that these individuals are now able to foil certain retail security systems and remove tags from unpaid merchandise, even while still within the store.
One may ask what the original equipment manufacturer of this product, Sensormatic, is doing about the situation. Simply put, there is not much they can do about it. The brand is a wide spread and well known company in which many businesses have already integrated their type of technology across their entire range of stores. Thus, replacing all security tags and electronic article surveillance systems with an alternative would be an expensive exercise.
For this reason, it is up to retailers and store owners to be vigilant with their loss prevention policies. The frank and stark fact is that relying on security tagging alone is not enough to prevent store theft. Procedures should be in place where staff are informed, trained and equipped to deal with any type of threat, and management must take responsibility to ensure that their guidelines are followed.
Armed with this knowledge, retailers can be aware of their threats and make informed decisions about how to deal with them. And by being proactive in briefing their loss prevention personnel with this information, staffs become more aware of the types of scenarios they may encounter. Perhaps then, they will not be as puzzled when they come across a discarded ink tag that may have been detached with a Sensormatic hook.
Clothing security - Me removing garment security tag
Security Tags Questions
Basic Site Security Tips
The security of any job site is largely dependent upon supervisory personnel. While the laborers and trades people work, the supervisor is in a unique position to catch anything that seems awry, suspicious or nefarious.
Ensuring the security of your job site requires that you put a bit of effort into investigating the backgrounds of key personnel and that you have a keen eye for trouble. This starts with making sure that your employees and security personnel are known quantities.
Tip 1: Background Checks Background checks should be run on all of your supervisory and high-level employees, as well as on those with access to cash or other valuables.
Tip 2: Security Personnel A professional security organization should be willing, able and happy to share with you any information you request about their employee's backgrounds and qualifications.
Tip 3: Warnings Make sure that there is signage on site that lets potential thieves know that they will be prosecuted and that the site is monitored by professionals.
Tip 4: Don't Invite Trouble Remember not to leave your most valuable equipment lying around the worksite unattended. Sneak thieves work fast!
Tip 5: Get Employees Involved Let employees know that any suspicious activity should be reported immediately. This includes unauthorized vehicles and personnel on the worksite.
Tip 6: Watchful Eyes Remind employees that any suspicious vehicles should have their tags taken down and to remember what any suspicious people looked like and what they were wearing.
Tip 7: Bad Neighborhoods Gang activity can be easy to spot. Watch out for groups of young men hanging around on the streets, criminal activity including fighting, dealing contraband and police activity. All can be signs of a high-crime area.
Tip 8: Access Control Gates should be open and closed as needed. Open gates are invitations to unwanted guests
Tip 9: Networking Let the local police patrols know you're there and keep up good relations with them.
Tip 10: Scheduling Stagger your shifts so that there is no unsupervised crew on site. Schedule cleaning for nighttime hours.
Tip 11: Incentivize your Security Program It's important to make it worth your employee's while to participate in your security program. You can add incentives to motivate employees to follow standards.
Tip 12: Anonymity Make sure that there's a way for employees to tip management off about crime without revealing their identities. Thieves and other criminals know how to exploit personal loyalties between workmates.
Tip 13: Help the Staff Give your staff information and training about their own security. Make sure they know not to leave their personal items or bags lying around unattended.
Tip 14: Don't be Accommodating to Crime Any criminal act should be reported. If it's not, any other criminals that find out about it are sure to target your site.
Tip 15: Cash If you handle cash at the site, deposit it at the end of the business day and don't deal with any cash after hours.
Tip 16: Personal Space Do not require employees to share lockers. This sets up a situation where problems are sure to follow.
Tip 17: Escorts After hours, make sure there are security personnel to escort employees to their cars. Numbers are the most intimidating things to thieves.
Tip 18: Community Engagement Get to know neighboring businesses and the owners of residences. They'll be much more likely to report suspicious activity at your site.
Tip 19: No Free Access Anyone who visits your site should have to go through an employee. You may call them greeters if you wish, but they should serve as screeners, in reality.
Tip 20: Inventory Videotape or photograph all inventory at the site. Log it into a database. This makes it much easier to reclaim stolen goods and to prosecute thieves.
Tip 21: Flash If one of your employees suddenly seems very wealthy, take that as a sign that something may be amiss. Check your books, your inventory and keep an eye on them.
Tip 22: If you Suspect Something Don't be afraid to set up a sting operation if you have to. Sometimes this is the best way to catch a thief. You can also set up a honey pot to catch embezzlers.
By using your resources intelligently, making sure your employees are involved in the security process and keeping in touch with local law enforcement, you can vastly reduce your chances of being robbed.
One of the most important aspects of this endeavor is that your employees understand that the security is for their benefit and it's not because they're assumed to be thieves from the start. By involving them and by giving them proper training, you set up a situation where they understand that your company's security efforts are designed to benefit everyone instead of being in place because your company suspects everyone.
Hiring security patrols is the next step. Security patrols are not just nighttime services. A good security guard with a well-trained dog lets people know that you're serious about protecting your site. It also gives employees a sense of security, especially when they're walking to their vehicles at night or when they suspect that there may be something amiss on the site.
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