How do sensors report the unauthorized removal of items?

Sensors and tracking systems report the unauthorized removal of items by detecting changes in their environment or by monitoring the presence of tagged objects.

Detection Methods

• Environmental Sensors: Systems can detect unauthorized movement or access using various physical triggers. For example, a photosensor may trigger an alarm if a beam of light is broken, while ultrasonic sensors detect sound waves bouncing off moving objects. Other systems use shock sensors to detect vibrations, such as those caused by tampering with a vehicle.1
• Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID): This technology uses electromagnetic waves to track items. An RFID system consists of a tag attached to an object and a reader that monitors the tag's status. Because the reader can detect tags within a specific range without requiring a line of sight, it can automatically identify when an item is being moved or removed from a designated area.2

By integrating these sensors with monitoring hardware, security systems can provide real-time alerts, allowing for the effective protection of personal and commercial property.2