To deactivate certain types of security stickers, specifically anti-theft strips that rely on magnetic properties, the primary method is to disrupt or erase the magnetic encoding.
Understanding the Deactivation Process
Based on the provided information, deactivating anti-theft strips involves magnetizing the strip along its length. These strips typically contain a magnetic element that interacts with detection systems at store exits. By applying a strong magnetic field, you can neutralize the information encoded on the strip or alter its magnetic properties so it no longer triggers the alarm.
Think of these strips like tiny magnetic tapes or resonant circuits that are sensitive to specific frequencies or fields. A strong external magnetic field can override or erase the data they hold or detune their resonant frequency.
Methods for Deactivating Magnetic Strips
The key is bringing the strip into close contact with anything magnetic that is strong enough to disrupt its internal state.
Here are practical ways this works:
- Using a Strong Magnet: Bringing a powerful magnet directly against the anti-theft strip can apply the necessary magnetic field to deactivate it. Retailers often use special deactivation pads at the point of sale, which contain strong magnets designed for this purpose.
- Close Contact with Magnetic Fields: As the reference states, "bringing it into close contact with anything magnetic could erase the information encoded on the magnetic strip." While common household magnets might not always be strong enough, sustained close contact with a sufficiently powerful magnetic field is the principle.
Why This Works
Magnetic anti-theft strips (often called Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS strips using magnetostrictive technology like Sensormatic) contain a material that vibrates or becomes magnetized when exposed to a specific radio frequency or magnetic field emitted by detectors. Deactivation works by applying a strong magnetic field that permanently changes the magnetic orientation or pattern within the strip, preventing it from responding correctly to the detector.
Deactivation Summary Table:
| Item Type Affected | Deactivation Method | Principle Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Anti-Theft Strips | Exposure to Strong Magnetism | Disruption of Magnetic Encoding/Properties |
Understanding that deactivation targets the magnetic properties helps explain why only specific methods are effective for this type of security sticker.
