Home Depot, Lowe’s parking lots now scan your license plate in Connecticut

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You pull into a Home Depot or Lowe’s parking lot to grab mulch, paint or a new patio chair. You probably expect security cameras near the entrance. What you may not expect is a camera that captures your license plate as you drive in or out.

That is now reportedly happening at some Home Depot and Lowe’s stores in Connecticut. The cameras are automated license plate readers, also known as ALPRs. They photograph the back of a vehicle, record the plate number and log details such as time and location.

Retailers say the systems help prevent theft and protect customers and employees. Police say the cameras can help solve crimes. However, privacy advocates worry that shoppers may have little idea when their plate is being scanned or who can later search that data.

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A license plate reader camera is seen near a Lowe’s parking lot entrance in Connecticut, where vehicles can be scanned as shoppers come and go. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What are license plate cameras?

Automated license plate readers use cameras and software to capture plate numbers from passing vehicles. Police departments often use them on roads to look for stolen cars, missing vehicles or suspects tied to active investigations.

Now, similar systems are showing up in retail parking lots. In Connecticut, Flock Safety cameras have been installed at some Home Depot and Lowe’s locations. Flock Safety’s license plate reader technology captures vehicle information, including license plates and vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color…

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