A BUILDING supplies shop has been forced to act after having hundreds of pounds worth of stock stolen earlier this month.

Two men stole tools worth £400 from WF Supplies, in South Way, Andover, after entering the shop and hiding goods “down their trousers”, according to store bosses.

The incident took place earlier this month and has forced the shop to adjust its layout in a bid to deter similar incidents from happening in the future.

Sales director Derry Long said: “It’s a shame when this sort of thing happens because since 1975, or way before our time, we have had a trade counter and we have never had something quite as blatant as that.

“The guys on the counter have got a fantastic relationship with all of the traders so it’s a shame when something like this happens.”

Management has since been forced to move the shop’s stock behind the trade counter in the hope of avoiding repeat thefts in future.

“We made the decision to do that just because there’s so much value out there,” added Derry.

WF Supplies is an interior, shopfitting and construction supplies shop which has been working in the industry since 1972.

The theft took place on June 6 and was reported to the police the following week.

A statement regarding the incident from Hampshire Constabulary said: “We have received a report of a theft of tools from WF Supplies in South Way, Andover.

“It took place between 10.30am and 10.45am on Thursday, June 6, and was reported to us on Wednesday, June 12.

“Two men entered the showroom and stole tools worth £400.

“Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44190202352.”