Home Depot and Lowe's are using license plate cameras in a crackdown on theft that is also capturing data from ordinary shoppers. This means a routine trip to either store could now result in your vehicle being scanned before you even walk inside.
AI-Powered Surveillance in Retail Parking Lots
The home improvement chains are employing AI-powered license plate readers in some parking lots as retailers adopt tougher surveillance tools to combat shoplifting and organized retail theft. These cameras can capture a vehicle's license plate, along with the time, date, and location where it was seen.
Supporters argue that the technology can help stores identify vehicles linked to repeat thefts, track suspects, and improve safety for shoppers and employees. However, privacy advocates warn that these systems could also create searchable records of innocent customers' movements, including when they visited a store, how often they went there, and which locations they used.
Legal and Privacy Concerns
Home Depot has already been named in a proposed class action lawsuit in California, accusing the retailer of running a covert license plate surveillance system and feeding information into a database accessible by law enforcement. Both Lowe's and Home Depot have used the technology at some locations, including stores in California, Texas, and Connecticut.
Critics say license plate readers raise bigger questions because they do not just record suspected criminals. They can also sweep up details on ordinary shoppers going about their day. Public records reported by 404 Media found that a Texas sheriff's office had searchable access to data from hundreds of license plate reader cameras tied to Lowe's and Home Depot stores through surveillance firm Flock Safety.
Company Responses
Lowe's states that the technology is used to 'help ensure security, prevent theft and fraud, assist with parking enforcement, and to help maintain your safety and the safety of individuals and our properties.' It also says the information can be shared with law enforcement in response to requests, legal process, crimes committed on store property, or potential criminal activity. Lowe's typically retains the data for up to 90 days unless it is needed for an active investigation.
Home Depot confirmed it uses license plate reader technology in parking areas at some stores. A Home Depot spokesperson said, 'We've had parking area security cameras in place at our stores for many years, as many retailers do. These cameras are used solely as a security measure to prevent theft and protect the safety of our customers and associates in our stores.' The company added, 'We do not grant access to our license plate readers to federal law enforcement.'
