Checkpoint Systems Launches 'Hands-On Hands-Off' Program; Brings Anti-Shoplifting Message to School Kids Nationwide.

Business Editors/Education Writers

THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 4, 2003

Targets 6th-12th Graders with 'Shoplifting Isn't Cool' Messages;

'An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure'

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), a leading provider of shrink management and supply chain technology solutions worldwide, today announced the launch of an anti-shoplifting awareness program targeted at 6th to 12th graders at schools nationwide.

Called "Hands-On Hands-Off," the interactive classroom program was developed to show school children that the consequences of shoplifting can follow them well into adulthood. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, approximately 24% of apprehended shoplifters in the U.S. are between the ages of 13 and 17 years.

At the heart of the "Hands-On Hands-Off Program" is an hour-long, interactive classroom discussion led by a Checkpoint employee. The program chronicles the real-life travails of teen shoplifters and the consequences of their stealing on their families, schools and communities. The program also includes a demonstration of how retail outlets of all sizes have gone to extraordinary lengths to thwart shoplifting with a range of futuristic, well-concealed anti-theft technologies.

"We want kids to know if they steal from a store, chances are they're going to get caught," said Dave Shoemaker, Group Vice President of Checkpoint Systems and architect of the "Hands-On Hands-Off" Program. "We're trying to get to kids before peer pressure does. Even if they think stealing is cool, it's still a crime. When they get caught they'll be treated like criminals by the justice system and their communities."

Amateurs, not professional thieves, compose the largest number of shoplifters(1). These are everyday people, often teens, who steal on impulse, either because they see an item they really want, or just for the thrill of it. Most shoplifters tend to believe they either won't get caught or won't be sent to jail. When teens are caught shoplifting, retailers often call the police who arrest the suspects. The case may be referred to a juvenile office, which can recommend an appropriate punishment, or teens can be sent directly to a juvenile court where a judge decides the penalty.

Checkpoint's employees across the country have volunteered their time to take the program's anti-shoplifting message to local area schools. Noted Shoemaker, "It's our way of giving back to the communities we live and work in, and where our kids go to school."

To discuss a school visit and classroom discussion by one of Checkpoint's representatives, contact Glenda Laudisio at 856/384-2411, or [e-mail].

About Checkpoint Systems, Inc.

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Checkpoint is the leading provider of radio frequency- (RF) based shrink management solutions to the $1 trillion global retail industry, including over half of the world's top 200 largest global retailers. In addition to its shrink management capabilities, Checkpoint's end-to-end supply chain technology helps apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint has a presence in more than 50 countries and a global network of 28 service bureaus located in the world's apparel manufacturing capitals. Checkpoint Systems, Inc.'s website is located at www.checkpointsystems.com.

(1)National Crime Prevention Council