Home Depot Foils Shoplifters With Power Tools That Require In-Store Activation

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The largest home improvement retailer in the US is taking a significant stand against professional shoplifters by unveiling power tools that won't work unless scanned and activated via Bluetooth technology, according to Bussiness Insider.

Home Depot has been struggling with "organized retail crime," raiding its stores across the country and stealing millions of dollars worth of power tools. Thieves steal Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Bosche, among other power tools, and turn them around for quick cash on the street, pawnshops, or an online ad on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Scott Glenn, Home Depot's vice president of asset protection, told Insider that introducing the new power tools that won't work if stolen is to combat "professional shoplifters" who are usually connected to a more extensive crime network.

Glenn provided limited details about the mechanics of the activation switch. However, hardware hacking website Hackaday wrote:

We would be really interested in getting our hands on one of these power tools to see what this kill switch looks like and how it works. Something like a Bluetooth activated relay is one option, or maybe even something that is integrated directly in the motor controller. If it were up to use, we would probably pick something that receives power wirelessly using a coil and requires a unique code. For their sake, we hope it's not something that can be deactivated with just a large magnet.





Now imagine the kill switch that they might be able to install in people!







All of this expensive technology to thwart thieves while all the honest customers foot the bill....sigh!