An electronic article surveillance (EAS) security apparatus is comprised of a base, a reel housing containing a reel, a tether joined to the base and the reel housing and disposed on the reel, and an electronics package. The base attaches to an object to be protected and the tether is wrapped around the object as the reel housing is passed around the object. The reel housing is releasably attached to the base by complimentary coupling elements on each. The base has a tether guide, which allows the tether to be redirected in additional directions as it is wrapped around the object. A releasable blocking mechanism keeps the base and reel housing coupled. The electronics package includes at least a passive EAS element and can contain a microprocessor, wireless communication elements, switches, sound generator, a power supply, and the tether if electrically conductive. The blocking mechanism may be magnetically releasable.