Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I already use tags in my store, how is this different?
Conventional tagging relies on passive tags on the product and alarms at the exits. How many times have you seen the alarm sound but nobody respond? What protection do you have when the shoplifter has passed through the alarm sensors and is now on the street? How long does it take for your security guard to reach them? How many run off without getting caught, blending into the crowd? The difference between SOS Tags and conventional tags is that SOS Tags overcomes all of these problems.
Don't shoplifters just take the goods and run?
No one wants to risk being found carrying a personal alarm they cannot turn off.
Don't systems that alert you to shoplifting at the door mean that it is normally too late to do anything about the problem?
With SOS Tags the alarm goes off as the thief leaves the tagging zone which may may be well before they reach the shop exit.
What is the good of having a tagging system if my staff are unable to tackle the shoplifters it catches?
With SOS Tags your staff do not need to approach the shoplifter. Normally the thief will jettison the item or return to the tagging zone.
What if shoplifters take the items to the toilets to remove the tags?
As soon as the shoplifter walks out of range of the transmitter the alarm will begin to sound. Normally this is long before they reach the toilets.
What if a shoplifter turns off or disables the transmitter?
Not a good idea, as any tag that is then moved will immediately begin to alarm as it is not receiving a signal.
Is the installation lengthy or messy?
No, the system is designed to be installed effortlessly in minutes by the customer. No technical knowledge or expertise is required.
Will it interfere with other EAS tags we use?
No, the system uses different frequencies and technology and can work along side these tags.
How long do the batteries in the tags last?
The batteries are designed to last for 12-18 months. We therefore inform our customers when they need to be replacing the batteries.
Can we stop products being taken out of an area as well as the shop exit?
Yes. It is possible to have SOS programmed with different zones. This means you could have either different floors of your store on different zones or even different departments within a floor. If the product is taken out of its zone and cannot hear its signal it will go into alarm mode.
Some transmitters seem to work better than others in a different room.
Environmental influences affect an RF signal (metalwork, floors, low or high ceilings etc). Our sales team will assist you on using the correct number of transmitters for a particular site.
Can these be covered with foil or similar to stop them working?
Covering an SOS unit with anything that blocks its signal will cause it to go into alarm mode as the unit will respond in the same way as it would when not in its zone.
What if shoplifters get hold of the keys for unlocking the tags?
The tag will sound an alarm if a key is used to unlock the tag without the disabler unit being operated at the same time.
What happens if shoplifters get hold of the keys and disablers?
We supply tags/transmitters/disablers working on multiple frequencies. The shoplifter would not have time to try even a small percentage of the available frequencies before the tag began to sound an alarm.
Even if we catch a shoplifter, is it worth prosecuting considering the amount of time it takes?
The most important thing to most retailers is getting the goods back rather than prosecuting. With SOS tags items are normally returned to the tagging zone or jettisoned by the thief.
How do I protect my stock with SOS tags?
SOS tags are sold as sets consisting of a number of alarms, transmitters, keys and disarming remote controls. Our sales consultants will help you choose the most appropriate components once they understand the type of stock that you wish to secure and the physical characteristics of your premises. Please use the enquiry form or call 023 9259 2100 to arrange a meeting.