Checkpoint Systems, a provider of RFID and RF technology solutions, has acquired Denmark-based Alert Systems, a Internet of Things (IoT) specialist with a focus on metal and magnet detection in the retail environment.

Since 1999, Alert Systems has supplied the global retail industry with solutions to identify tools and techniques used by criminals to steal items from stores — these include booster bags (handmade containers lined with foil used to shoplift) and detachers (illegal magnets used to detach tags with ease), commonly detected at store entrance/exits and fitting room areas.

For a number of years, Checkpoint has been a partner and major distributor for the company to provide metal and magnet detection products, including Hyperguard, Metalguard and Apparelguard — a batch of digital software-driven solutions which work against professional shoplifters using booster bags and detachers to steal items in hypermarkets, fashion stores, pharmacies and other retail stores. The success of the partnership has now followed a natural progression to full acquisition, further strengthening Checkpoint's core focus that is offering loss prevention solutions and bolstering its product line.

"Organized retail crime (ORC) is increasing globally; in the U.S. alone retailers saw a 26.5 percent increase in incidents in 20211 and shrinkage represented nearly $100 billion in losses in 2022,” said Ben Lilienthal, president Checkpoint Worldwide. “This is due to criminals using increasingly advanced methods of avoiding detection, some of which can defeat traditional EAS anti-theft solutions. These include foil-lined containers or booster bags which shield the security tag from the EAS system thus allowing stolen items to leave a store without triggering an alarm. By providing retailers with more information regarding when and where organized retail crime (ORC) threats are entering a store, our new solutions will help retailers drive down the ever-increasing prevalence of gang-related crime.”

Lilienthal continued, “Checkpoint has long been known for its expertise in the retail security space and we are looking forward to providing our retail customers around the world with an even stronger loss prevention offering that will cater to their every retail security need.”

“Checkpoint Systems' acquisition of Alert Systems is the logical next step in our shared mission to tackle retail crime,” said Troels Falkenberg, CEO Alert Systems. “With this industry scourge on the rise, it is important that retailers have access to a solid portfolio of solutions to help them effectively manage the issue, and we know Checkpoint Systems is the right organization to facilitate this. The company has a well-known, long-standing reputation in the loss prevention field and we are delighted to extend our previous partnership into a full acquisition.”

For more information, visit: checkpointsystems.com.