An electronic article surveillance (EAS) system comprising a combined plurality of surveillance systems that operate independent of and autonomous from each other and are physically located within pedestal systems having at least a first EAS system for detecting a magnetic EAS tag (which are immune to foil lined bags and other Faraday Shields) and magnetic detachers, a second EAS system for detecting Faraday shields, a third EAS for detecting acousto-magnetic EAS tags, and an anti-E AS jamming alarm mechanism. The EAS system of the present invention further includes a counter that counts the number of individuals entering into and exiting out of a secured area, and validate if an alarm is legitimate.