Delayed-Exit Devices Stop Microwave Thefts At Department Store

Milwaukee
Alarmed exit devices with a built-in delay have stopped the theft of microwave ovens through a fire exit, without compromising safety, at a leading discount department store in the Milwaukee area.

The store, located in a shopping center complex, had experienced repeated broad-daylight thefts of microwave ovens during its first two years in operation there. A pair of fire doors on one wall of the store leads directly to the outside of the mall, where only the width of a sidewalk separates it from the roadway. According to the store's assistant manager, a thief would put one of the appliances in a cart or simply carry it to the doors, which were a short distance away along the same wall as the product display. With an accomplice waiting in a car outside, he would then push open the emergency exit device, put the microwave in the car's trunk and take off. Although the exit was alarmed, the whole process took only a few seconds, and security personnel were unable to get to the exit in time to prevent the theft.

Von Duprin 99 Series exit devices and 5200 Delayed Access system have stopped the theft of microwave ovens through these fire exit doors at a Milwaukee department store.

Because the fire exit was required by building codes, store management faced a dilemma. The doorway's remote location made it impractical to post a guard, and even a remote TV monitor would not have given enough warning before the thief was gone. The solution was to install Von Duprin 99 Series mortise-type exit devices and a 5200 Delayed Access system, which is alarmed but delays opening for 15 seconds after being actuated. This provides the protection required in case of emergency while also preventing the immediate egress desired by the thieves. In addition, a sign warning of the delay is posted prominently on the doors, deterring anyone from using them except in case of a real emergency. Locking power is provided by Von Duprin 1205 DM magnetic locks, installed at the top edges of the doors. These always remain locked unless the exit device is operated, which breaks the circuit and allows the doors to be opened after the delay cycle. In the two years since the installation, on the few occasions when someone has tried to take stolen goods out through the doors, store security guards responding to the alarm found an unattended cart containing a microwave oven. The would-be thief had been scared off by the alarm operating for 15 seconds before the door could be opened. "Because the warning is posted, it never happens any more," says the assistant manager.

When necessary to use the door for any legitimate reason, store management can disarm the device with a key switch located adjacent to the door. At all other times, it protects the merchandise from theft while remaining available for safe egress in an emergency.

The magnetic locks provide further protection, since they are always in the locked position but will fail-safe, allowing instant egress in case of power failure. The system is also tied into the building fire alarm system, so they will be released if the fire alarm or sprinkler systems are actuated in an emergency.

The Von Duprin devices, delayed exit control and magnetic locks were specified by W.R. Ringheim Company, Inc., Golden Valley, Minnesota and installed by All Safe & Security, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.