Box edge security device

A security device, for a merchandise box, comprising:

• a cleat;
• a tag assembly that interlocks with the cleat and includes an electronics assembly, contained within a housing, that forms at least part of an alarm system;
• and
• a conductive sense loop that is electrically connected to circuitry in the tag assembly such that the alarm system is triggered if the conductive sense loop is broken;
• wherein the cleat, tag assembly, and conductive sense loop are adapted to be attached to a first structural portion of the merchandise box.

An edge cleat for a merchandise box that includes having adjacent first and second structural portions connected together along an edge, comprising:

• a first portion adapted to be disposed against a first structural portion of the merchandise box;
• a second portion adapted to be disposed against a second structural portion of the merchandise box, wherein the first structural portion and the second structural portion are connected to one another along an edge, and wherein the edge cleat is adapted to be attached around the edge;
• one or more interface structures or elements that are adapted to interlock with a tag assembly;
• wherein a top or outer surface of the first portion of the edge cleat includes a shallow channel for receiving a strap;
• and
• wherein a top or outer surface of the second portion of the edge cleat also includes a shallow channel, collinear with the shallow channel of the first portion of the edge cleat, for receiving the strap;
• wherein the edge cleat is electrically conductive and configured to form a sense loop that is broken if the edge cleat is removed from the merchandise box.