A week of action is being held in Worcester to help raise awareness about the dangers of loan sharks and keep families safe.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), known as Stop Loan Sharks, is bringing Operation Sharknet to the area from Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 19.
The team works to investigate and prosecute loan sharks and support borrowers across England and the week is part of its awareness-raising drive.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “Our team loves to see lots of people at these weeks of action – this is where we can really reach into communities and make sure people are aware of the dangers of illegal lending.
“Illegal lenders can be well-known within communities, pretending to be a friend. But once they lend money, they can add huge charges to repayments and use threats and violence to make people prioritise this debt over other household spending.
“If anyone wants to find out more about what we can to do help, or about where they can go to borrow safely, then come along and see us. Or people can speak to a member of our team in completely confidence by calling our 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222.”
The team will be at the following locations:
- Monday, September 15 – 8.30am to 9 at Oasis School; from 9am to 10am at the Oasis Hub drop-in; from 11am to 1pm at Cranham Parade and from 2.30pm to 3.30pm at Carnforth School.
- Tuesday, September 16 – 10.30am to noon Dines Green shops; noon to 1.30 Dines Green Snack & Chat; 2.30pm to 3.30pm Honeywell School.
- Wednesday, September 17 – 8.30am to 9am Cranham School; 11am to 1pm outside the shops in Ambleside Drive and 2.30pm to 3.30pm at Hollymount School.
- Thursday, September 18 – 8.30am to 9am at Perry Wood School; 10.30am to 1.30pm High Street and 2.30pm to 3.30pm at Stanley Road Primary School.
Stop Loan Sharks is working with Platform Housing Group, Worcester City Council and West Mercia Police on the week’s events.
Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Director at Platform, said: “Platform is proud to support the Operation Sharknet campaign in Worcester. Illegal money lending can have a devastating impact on individuals and communities, and raising awareness is key to helping people stay safe. By working together with our partners and raising awareness with our customers, we can help ensure that everyone has access to the support and information they need to avoid falling into the hands of illegal lenders.”
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 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.
