Anti-sweeping hook with integrated inventory monitoring and/or loss prevention functionality

An anti-sweeping hook system comprising:

• an anti-sweeping hook that includes:
• a display hook for storing a retail item, the display hook having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;
• a helical coil disposed about the display hook and extending along a lengthwise portion of the display hook, the helical coil having a first coil end proximate the first end of the display hook, wherein rotation of the helical coil in a first direction loads the retail item onto the display hook, and rotation of the helical coil in a second direction opposite the first direction removes the retail item from the display hook;
• and
• a rotating handle attached to the first coil end, wherein the rotating handle is configured to determine a change in a number of retail items stored on the display hook based on the number of rotations or extent of rotation, and direction of rotation of the rotating handle, wherein the rotating handle includes an MCU and a wireless communications module together configured to process and wirelessly transmit inventory data indicating the number of retail items stored on the display hook, or indicating a change in the number of retail items stored on the display hook;
• wherein the rotating handle includes a first contact and a second contact disposed within a main housing of the rotating handle such that an electrical connection between the first and second contacts indicates some rotation of the rotating handle.