4 Comments for How do the bar codes work with the theft detectors at the exits/entrances of stores?

• 1. davidmi711  |  September 29th, 2006 at 3:01 am

  Theft detectors do not work off of the bar codes. They use a technology called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). There is a device inside of the packaging or attached to the item. It has a unique ID code that is read by the scanner. When the item is purchased and the clerk scans the item the code will no longer trigger the scanner.

  There is a great article that explains the different technologies here: electronics.howstuffworks.com/anti-shoplifting-device2.htm

• 2. Dan B  |  September 29th, 2006 at 3:47 am

  Bar codes don’t work that way.

  There’s actually an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Device) inside the box or attached to the garment. When you pass though the exit doors, the sensor triggers an alarm if it hasn’t been deactivated or removed when you purchased the item at the register. This tag is about 1 inch long by 1/3 inch wide. Some tags with bar codes have the RFID embeded and is part of the bar code tag.

• 3. Ken  |  September 29th, 2006 at 4:39 am

  Typically, bar codes have nothing to do with it. The detectors react to a capacitor in the product – perhaps you’ve seen them – they look like small mazes in a tinfoil wrap. This capacitor can be adjusted by a demagnitizer – some stores pass the product over one when sold.

• 4. sportsallstar812  |  September 29th, 2006 at 5:20 am

  I am not sure why anyone would tell you how this works.. Just know it works and that’s that anyone else not suspicious about a person asking about anti theft devices on the internet?

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