Wholesalers have quietly rallied round to help customers devastated by last week’s riots.

They were reluctant to go into detail because they did not want customers to be identified as victims of crime and the measures were not intended to garner publicity, they said.

However, The Grocer has learned that behind the scenes, they have been working frantically to help businesses get up and ­running again.

Bestway customer Early Till Late on London Road, Croydon, said its cash & carry had supported it with two weeks’ credit to replace stock looted last week. The wholesaler has also been helping members of its symbol group deal with insurance claims.

“As far as we are aware, three Best-one retailer members have been affected,” said Best-one controller James Hall. “Our merchandising teams are on the road visiting each one to help get their stores back up and running. We have also sent all members reminders about what care they need to be taking and also sourcing shutters and other security devices.”

Palmer and Harvey said that it too had “worked closely with all areas of its business” during and after the riots. “We sent out guidance to our Mace shopkeepers via email to ensure they were well-informed and taking practical measures to keep themselves, their stock and their property safe,” said marketing director, Richard Hayhoe.

“We rearranged deliveries and ensured all our lorry drivers were fully aware of safety procedures and were never putting themselves in danger whilst continuing to do everything in their power to deliver for our customers.”

A Booker spokeswoman said there had been “some minor incidents” in some of its depots. “But at the moment our real energy is going into supporting our customers,” she said.

PayPoint, meanwhile, has told affected retailers they would not be charged if they failed to make their daily direct debits.