An EAS system comprises a central circuit for sequentially generating signal bursts. At least one local transmitting antenna is positioned remote from the central circuit for receiving and propagating the signal bursts into an interrogation zone. A receiver is associated with the local transmitting antenna for detecting the presence of an electronic tag in the interrogation zone by means of a response tag signal from the electronic tag and transmitting the response tag signal to the central circuit. A synchronization device is provided for detecting the signal burst propagated from the local transmitting antenna, and controls the activation of the receiver for the purpose of receiving the response tag signal based on the timing of the signal burst.
