The fight against loan sharks comes to Malvern next week (May 18 to 22) as Operation Sharknet is launched.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) is working with Platform Housing,
Malvern Hills District Council, West Mercia Police and Community Action Malvern & District Charity to bring its campaign to the area to raise awareness about the dangers of loan sharks and keep residents safe.
The IMLT, known as Stop Loan Sharks, was set up over 20 years ago to investigate and prosecute illegal lenders and support borrowers across England.
The visit to Malvern, which runs from Monday, May 18th to Friday, May 22nd, will see the team on let people know about the support available to those who have been targeted by loan sharks. They will also offer information on how to spot the signs of a loan shark, what the dangers are and what the safe alternatives are if they need to borrow money.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, a national organisation hosted by Birmingham City Council, said: “We’re really looking forward to visiting Malvern and speaking to local people about the dangers of illegal lending, as well as the help and support that’s available.
“Illegal money lenders bring real misery to communities, often targeting the most vulnerable, and their activities are frequently linked to wider criminal behaviour such as theft and drug offences. If anyone in the area thinks they may have been targeted by an illegal lender, we would urge them to come and speak to us in confidence. We’re here to listen, to help, and to support people – never to judge.”
Lisa Fairlie, director of housing operations at Platform Housing Group, said: “We’re proud to support Operation Sharknet and the vital work it does to tackle loan sharks and raise awareness within our communities. These events are an important opportunity to empower residents with information, offer support where it’s needed, and work collectively with partners to protect people from financial exploitation. At Platform, we’re committed to creating safer, stronger communities – and this campaign helps make that possible.”
Councillor Jennie Watkins, portfolio holder for Housing and Poverty Alleviation (with responsibility for crime matters and community safety) at Malvern Hills District Council, added: “I am pleased the council is supporting this week and raising awareness of the dangers of loan sharks and illegal lending. When someone is struggling financially, they might feel a loan shark is the only option, however, there is support available. We would encourage them to contact Stop Loan Sharks and to also visit the ‘Support and Advice’ page on our website.”
During the week, the Stop Loan Sharks team will be at the following locations:
- Monday, May 18, 1.30pm to 3pm: Waitrose, Graham Road, Edith Walk, Malvern.
- Tuesday, May 19, 10am to 11am: Walkabout Upton Rugby Club, 79 Old Street, Upton upon Severn
- Thursday, May 21, 10am to noon: Malvern Town FC Health and Wellbeing Event, Langland Avenue, Malvern
- Friday, May 22, 10am to 1pm: Pump Rooms, Teme Street, Tenbury Wells
The Community Action Malvern & District charity is also supporting the week and will be sharing promotional items and information at its Tea Club sessions, running on Sunday afternoons from 3pm to 4.30pm. The sessions are hosted by local churches, clubs, and community societies.
Since it was set up in 2004, the IMLT has made hundreds of arrests and secured around 434 successful prosecutions, with illegal lenders locked up for more than 618 years. More than £92 million in illegal debt has been written off, and around 33,000 borrowers have been supported.
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 confidential helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website and WhatsApp messages can also be sent to 07700 102773.
