The fight against loan sharks comes to Milton Keynes next week and again in July as Operation Sharknet is launched in the area.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) is working with Milton Keynes City Council, SOFEA community larder, Acorn Community Bank and Thames Valley Police 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.
Awareness-raising events will take place in Milton Keynes on Tuesday, June 2nd and Wednesday, June 3rd and the Stop Loan Sharks team will be back in the area again from July 13th to 15th.
Team members will be on hand to 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: “These awareness-raising events are vital to help us reach local people who might be vulnerable to illegal lenders. We will be speaking to people about the dangers of illegal lending as well as the alternatives and the help and support that’s available.
“Illegal money lenders bring real misery to communities, and illegal lending is 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.”
Taraji Ogunnubi, head of community larders at SOFEA, said: “At SOFEA, we work closely with communities every week and see first-hand the pressures many families are facing due to the rising cost of living. That is why partnerships like this with the Illegal Money Lending Team are so important. Through the training and support provided, our Community Larders are better equipped to have informed conversations with members and signpost people to safer support. Many people may not realise the risks associated with illegal money lending until they are already trapped in difficult situations. We want our larders to be safe, welcoming spaces where people not only access food, but also trusted information, guidance, and wider support. Raising awareness about the dangers of loan sharks is a vital part of protecting individuals, families, and communities from further harm.”
Matt Sheppard, a trading standards officer at Milton Keynes City Council, said: “It is great to be once again working with our colleagues and partner agencies, to raise awareness of illegal money lending and scams.”
Phoebe Fernandes, membership development manager at Acorn Community Bank, added: “Acorn Community Bank is proud to support the event organised by IMLT once again this year. We are committed to providing safe, ethical and affordable financial services, especially for those who need them most. Working with IMLT, we aim to raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks and promote fairer, accessible alternatives for our community.”
During the events, the Stop Loan Sharks team will be at the following locations:
- Tuesday June 2:
Lidl (foyer) – Brooklands 10.30am–12.30pm
Walkabout – Bascote, Buckby & Broadwater, Tinkers Bridge 1.30pm–2.30pm
- Wednesday June 3:
Lidl (foyer) – Bletchley 10.30am–1pm
Water Hall Larder – Fern Grove, Bletchley, 1.30pm–3.30pm
Walkabout – Fern Grove, Melfort Drive & Torridon Close 1.30pm–2.30pm
- Monday July 13:
Lidl (foyer) – Blakelands 10.30am–1pm
Rainbows Larder – Pepper Hill School, Kingsfold, 1.30pm–3.30pm
Walkabout – Bekanscot Court & Runnymede, Giffard Park 1.30pm–2.30pm
- Tuesday July 14:
Lidl (foyer) and Wolverton Library 10.30am–1pm. Drop in at Wolverton Library 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Walkabout – St George’s Way, Green Lane & Moon Street 1.30pm–2.30pm
- Wednesday July 15:
Springfield Larder – Springfield Boulevard, 2pm–4pm
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.
