Loan shark suspect arrested in Havant
A 62-year-old man was arrested today on suspicion of illegal money lending following an early-morning operation in Havant.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with officers from Hampshire Police to execute a warrant at an address. Officers seized electronic devices, cash and documentation.
The suspect was taken into custody to be questioned by IMLT investigators.
The IMLT works in partnership with Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “Illegal money lending will not be tolerated in England, and we work with our partners to take action against those who blight our communities in this way.
“We would urge anyone who has been affected by illegal lending in any way, or knows someone who has, to contact our team in complete confidence. We can offer expert advice and support and help people escape that cycle of debt.”
There are up to 1.08 million people in debt to loan sharks in England, according to figures from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
The warning signs of an illegal lender include:
- No paperwork or agreement on a loan
- Keeping items until the debt is paid, such as your bank card or passport
- Adding interest or charges so the debt never goes down
- Using intimidation or violence if you don’t pay
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 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
