摘要 |
<p>The device has a primary side consisting of a main body (1) and a protruding pin (11). A fragile container (6) of marking substance, e.g. strong-smelling chemical or unwashable dye, is kept in a recess (7) and is held immobile against a wall (16) of the device, so that excessive force on the device will break the container. The device also has a secondary, locking side (2) which includes a receptacle for the pin. The locking side adheres to the pin in such a way that only by using a purpose-built mechanical device can they be separated. Only authorised personnel would have access to the device (e.g. cashiers) The pin is placed through any convenient hole on the article to be protected (e.g. buttonhole) and the two halves of the device are joined through the hole. The device now cannot be removed by an unauthorised person. If force is applied in an effort to remove the device then the primary side of the device and the container are broken. The marking substance is released, making the article unusable and unsaleable. It is also possible to include an electronic alarm on the device, which would sound if an attempt were made to remove the device from the shop.</p> |