A merchandise security system in accordance with one embodiment comprising a security tag configured to be attached to an item; a receiver system configured to receive signals from the security tag and capable of generating location information for the security tag; and a security tag tracking system for receiving location information from the receiver system and determining potential security related problems. A merchandise security system in accordance with another embodiment comprising a security tag configured to be attached to an item; a receiver system configured to receive an alert signal from the security tag upon removal of the security tag from the item; and a security tag tracking system coupled to the receiver system for receiving alert information from the receiver system and determining a potential security related problem.