A security tag used with an electronic article surveillance system for detecting the presence of the tag within a surveilled area utilizing electromagnetic energy at a frequency within a predetermined detection frequency range includes a dielectric substrate having first and second opposing principle surfaces and a resonant circuit capable of resonating at a frequency within the predetermined detection frequency range. The resonant circuit includes an inductor formed at least in part on one of the principal surfaces of the substrate. A first perforation path formed of a series of spaced apart perforations extends along a line across the substrate and through at least a portion of the inductor such that a stress exerted on the tag breaks the tag and the inductor along the first perforation path, causing an open circuit condition which prevents the resonant circuit from resonating.In use, the security tag is affixed to an article and the stress applied to the article is a result of normal or ordinary use of the article.