Travis Perkins has teamed up with Ridgeons, B&Q, Homebase and other DIY and building trade giants to help prevent theft from their businesses.
The new DIY and Building Trade Loss Prevention Forum will work collectively to help cut crime such as drive-offs, when thieves masquerading as tradesmen load up building materials then drive off without paying.
Merchants often work on generous credit terms to help small and medium-sized businesses, but some procedures in place have been subject to abuse over the years.
“This is not necessarily theft,” said Jim McKenna, head of group security at Travis Perkins and newly-elected chairman of the forum, “but simply bad practice that has developed unchecked.”
He said putting the situation right required a behaviour change and winning over hearts and minds in the trade.
