FAMILIES in Kidderminster and Stourport will be offered help and advice about how to stay safe from loan sharks during some special days of action which run until Thursday, July 10.
Stop Loan Sharks, the national team dedicated to tackling illegal lending, is holding a series of events in the towns to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal lenders, how to get help and how to borrow safely.
The team, together with mascot Sid the Shark and representatives from partner agencies, will be at several locations as part of the ‘Bite Back’ event.
From 11am to 2pm tomorrow (Tuesday, July 8), they will be at the shops on Bircher Green, Comberton, Kidderminster, and from 11am to 2pm on Wednesday, July 9, the Swan Shopping Centre in Kidderminster.
Then from 11am to 2pm, the team will be at Tesco, Castle Road, Kidderminster, and between 2.30pm and 4pm at St Bartholomew’s Primary School, Princess Way, Stourport-on-Severn.
Stop Loan Sharks is the community name for the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), which investigates and prosecutes loan sharks and supports borrowers across the country.
People will also be able to ‘grab a selfie’ with the Stop Loan Sharks mascot ‘Sid the Shark’.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “Weeks of action like this one help us reach people within the local community who may be targeted by illegal lenders.
“Many illegal lenders are well known in communities and may appear to be a friend at first, but people can end up trapped and facing ever-increasing repayments, threats, intimidation and violence.
“By raising awareness during events like this, we can keep people safe and ensure those who have been targeted know where they can get help. Thanks to all our partner organisations in the area who are helping us reach people in this way.”
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 stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
