Crime offences in cash-and-carry car parks have reportedly risen, with tobacco and personal belongings becoming the most-common items “routinely stolen”. 

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) said its members were becoming increasingly concerned about rising crime rates at depots. 

The trade body said: “It has become distressingly common for personal belongings and purchases, including tobacco valued at up to £5,000, to be routinely stolen from cash-and-carry car-park facilities, only to be subsequently sold on the unregulated black market. 

“Regrettably, some of these thefts and robberies involve acts of violence and intimidation.” 

FWD said it had begun working with the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) to tackle the issue. 

The NBCC added it had been made aware of a series of incidents in which offenders had waited until wholesale customers had left depots with goods. 

Items had then been snatched from trolleys, car seats or boots while vehicles were being loaded by retailers. 

NBCC inspector Paul Fagg said: “The impact of crime on wholesalers and warehouses is being taking seriously by NBCC, and we are working with police forces and industry bodies to provide campaign material and crime-prevention guidance to share with their local businesses.” 

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