An optical anti-theft system incorporates a member having a plurality of reflective surfaces. The plurality forms a pattern corresponding with the security code. The system additionally incorporates a base for receiving the member. The base incorporates a light source for generating a light beam to illuminate the plurality of reflective surfaces, and a light detector for sensing the illuminated plurality of reflective surfaces and for initiating a security function in response to the sensed illuminated plurality of reflective surfaces having the pattern.