Electronic Article Surveillance System further fights shoplifting Published April 16, 2008 By 2nd Lt. Jennifer Richard Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Nellis AFB Exchange is now fighting shoplifting with more than just a video surveillance system and the intimidating cardboard cutout of a Security Forces Airman. The Main Store and Military Clothing Sales are now equipped with an Electronic Article Surveillance system, which can electronically detect unpaid merchandise leaving the stores. "Shoplifting is one of America's biggest, fastest growing, and most expensive crimes, and everyone ends up paying for the lost merchandise. Everyone associated with the store, from employees to customers, ends up paying through higher prices," said Joanne Honour, base exchange loss prevention manager. By installing the EAS system, the base exchange is taking a proactive approach to controlling the shoplifting problem, she said The EAS system monitors the merchandise, not the customer. Electronic tags are placed on predetermined items throughout the store, and surveillance systems are placed at store exits which sound an alarm when tagged merchandise is detected. Merchandise is source-tagged by manufacturers and the tags are imbedded in the merchandise. AAFES associates will also tag selected merchandise. The EAS system is not a theft-apprehension system but a deterrent system that provides the store with a method to protect merchandise, she said With the new EAS system in place, shoplifters will hesitate to steal because it is now more likely they will be caught. Rather than risk detection by the EAS system, the amateur will be more likely to purchase the merchandise, not steal it, she said. However, the EAS system is not the only method of preventing shoplifting here. AAFES also has an 80-camera electronic video surveillance system and a full cadre of loss prevention associates employed to reduce store losses. Reducing theft ensures AAFES continues to provide quality merchandise at uniformly low prices to base exchange patrons, she said. Since merchandise is now monitored electronically by the EAS system, the base exchange will be able to provide a larger selection of merchandise with fewer security problems. This will create a better store atmosphere and allow for better customer service, she said.
