A fiber optic based security system is disclosed, including a light emitter, a
light detector, an optical fiber and a threshold detector. Light is injected at
one end of the optical fiber and received at the other end. The optical fiber is
looped or secured about an object to be protected. If someone attempts to steal
the object by tampering with the optical fiber or cutting it altogether, the light
received at the light detector will fall below a predetermined threshold. When
this happens, the threshold detector is adapted to trigger an alarm, alerting the
proper persons of the theft. Preferably, the system is contained in a portable
housing, and the system is preferably useful for protecting objects located outside
a building, such as a trailer, bicycle, motorcycle, snowmobile, etc., where conventional
security systems would be prohibitive to install.
