Lowes and Home Depot's new AI-powered license plate readers are designed to catch thieves, but advocacy groups say it’s a violation of privacy

Home Depot and Lowe’s are expanding the use of AI-powered automated license plate readers (ALPR) to tackle rising retail theft. The technology, developed by Flock Safety, scans vehicles and license plates as they enter store properties, helping identify potential shoplifters. Both companies have denied claims that their data is shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection, despite the ALPR system being the same used by ICE for tracking immigrants. Retail theft has surged dramatically, with incidents increasing by 93% since 2019, according to a National Retail Federation study. To reduce losses, Home Depot and Lowe’s have installed solar-powered cameras that monitor vehicles and individuals entering their stores. While the system records activity, it only provides actionable data if a theft is reported, allowing authorities to trace suspicious vehicles linked to crimes. A recent case in Southern California highlights the scale of organized retail theft. Fourteen individuals were arrested for over 600 suspected thefts across 71 stores, totaling more than $10 million in stolen goods. David Ahl, accused of running a storefront called ARYA Wholesale in Tarzana, faces 48 felony charges, including conspiracy and grand theft, after allegedly reselling stolen merchandise from Home Depot and Lowe’s. Privacy advocates warn that ALPR technology raises concerns over mass surveillance and potential misuse of personal data. Despite the companies’ assurances, critics argue the system’s capabilities could extend beyond theft prevention, raising ethical questions about its broader implications for public privacy. The ALPR systems operate by capturing vehicle and license plate information, which can later be cross-referenced with reported crimes. While effective in some cases, the technology lacks real-time intervention, relying instead on post-incident verification to assist law enforcement. The debate over balancing security needs with privacy rights continues as retailers increasingly adopt advanced surveillance tools.