Abstract: A theft deterrent system and method at a product display area. In a preferred embodiment, the system displays video of customers on a public view monitor (PVM) located near the product display area in response to detecting customer interactions with the products in the product display area. The system also provides target advertising via audio messages and video messages displayed on the PVM in response to detecting the interactions. The system enhances customer shopping experience by providing welcoming messages as the customers approach the product display area while also deterring would-be thieves, and provides upsell capability by sending audio and video advertising messages for related products to the PVM in response to product retrieval attempts such as “reach-ins” or selection of the products.