Detail in new Bunnings sign sparks heated online debate

Bunnings customers have been left outraged after spotting a controversial detail on a new sign at the entrance of one of the hardware stores.

Bunnings customers have been left less than impressed with the hardware giant after one eagle-eyed customer spotted some controversial details on new signage out the front of one of its stores.

The shopper posted the photo of the sign, which they claim was displayed out the front of a newly-opened store in Preston, Victoria, to the Australian Reddit page.

The sign contained a list of notices for customers, including warning about bag inspections, advising them of the smoking and vaping ban and that pets are welcome in the store while on a lead.

But there were two points in particular that social media users seemed to take issue with, being that both facial recognition and number plate recognition technology “may be used”.

New signage outside Bunnings stores has caused a stir among customers. Picture: Reddit

Customers were quick to express their outrage as the hardware giant announced last month it would temporarily turn off facial recognition technology while an investigation was carried out over privacy issues linked to the tech.

The investigation followed a report from consumer advocacy group Choice about use of the facial recognition technology by a number of retailers.

Choice analysed the privacy policies of 25 major retailers and found The Good Guys, Kmart and Bunnings were recording their customers’ biometric data, with the findings sparking major backlash from customers.

However, while the sign states facial recognition “may be in use”, news.com.au understands the technology has not been turned back on in Bunnings stores, with the chain retaining reference to it on signage while the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) conducts its investigation.

The reference to number plate recognition technology however appears to be a new addition to the signage, though news.com.au understands it has been in use for a number of years.

The technology helps to help protect Bunnings staff and customers from abusive and threatening behaviour and to combat organised retail crime.

Previous signs did not include reference to number plate scanning technology. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

License plate recognition is widely used by retailers and in automated car parks across the country and is in place as part of the CCTV at the entrance to Bunnings trade yards and some car parks.

Ben Camire, Bunnings Director of Store Operations, confirmed that the conditions of entry signage had recently been updated.

“A few months ago we refreshed conditions of entry signage so it has a consistent look across our store network,” he said.

“This signage can be found on existing stores, as well as new stores like Preston in Victoria.

“The signage includes guidelines for customers wishing to bring their pets in store and detail on the use of CCTV.”

Bunnings confirmed the signage had recently been updated. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

The updated sign sparked a debate among Reddit users over the use of number plate technology and the note that the store “reserves the right to inspect all bags and vehicles on exit”.

“Just a glimpse of Australias incoming dystopian police state,” one person wrote.

“Why do they want to inspect my vehicle? I’m picturing a Mexico-USA border with a giant X-ray machine and people with mirrors,” another said, with one adding that addition to the sign “seems weird”.

However, there were those that didn’t see an issue with the sign.

“Number plates scanning has been a thing for at least 4 years and serves a very good purpose for stolen cars,” one commenter said.

A person claiming to be a former Bunnings worker also chimed in, writing: “The number plate screening has been around for a while. We would get calls when cars with reported theft came in.”

“Other retailers are doing the same damn thing. The difference is, they’re not telling you,” another person added.

Originally published as Detail in new Bunnings sign sparks heated online debate