UK's leading DIY firms and builders merchants have come together to tackle crime against their businesses with the creation of the DIY and Building Trade Loss Prevention Forum.
The forum, which counts B&Q, Homebase, Travis Perkins, SELCO and Ridgeons among its members, is designed to help businesses share best practices and data to help thwart internal and external thieves and reduce the losses in store.

The DIY and building trade sector has a number of unique issues when it comes to loss prevention, including the size and location of out of town stores and yards, and the threat of burglaries for higher value items.

Copper piping has become a major cause for concern because of its global scrap price, which is likely to reach £7,000 a ton by the end of this year. Staff in DIY stores and builders' merchants are now on a constant vigil because thieves are known to hide copper tubing inside plastic drain pipes and ask till staff to scan the pipes while still in the trolley to avoid detection.

Travis Perkins head of group security and newly-elected chair of the DIY and Building Trade Forum Jim McKenna said: "We have come together to fight criminal practices and share intelligence from our businesses. From plants that go in the ground, to hire plant, much of the equipment and materials we have on offer are high in value, which is why we find ourselves a target from external thieves. However, we will also be working together to drive the issue of internal compliance to ensure all staff follow best practice procedures."