Loan sharks hunted down in Droitwich during week of action - The Droitwich Standard

Loan sharks hunted down in Droitwich during week of action

Droitwich Editorial 12th May, 2024   0

A WEEK of action featured ‘Sid the Shark’ biting back against loan sharks in Droitwich and keeping communities safe.

Stop Loan Sharks has been working with West Mercia Police, Platform Housing, Wychavon District Council and Droitwich Spa and Rural Council for Voluntary Services.

People grabbed a ‘selfie with Sid’ at the events and found out about the dangers of getting involved with illegal money lenders.

Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), known in communities as Stop Loan Sharks, said: “Many illegal lenders are well known in their communities, and we want to make sure people know what to look out for.”

Lucy Bird, community builder from Droitwich Spa CVS, said: “Droitwich CVS and our Moving Forward on Westlands team are pleased to be supporting this important campaign.

“When someone is struggling to keep on top of their finances and have been refused credit elsewhere, they may feel they have nowhere else to turn. Loan sharks are able to prey on these vulnerable people so it’s vital to provide information to tell them they can get the support they need without using illegal money lenders.”




Marion Duffy, chief operations officer at Platform Housing Group, added:

“Platform Housing Group is delighted to be working in partnership with the England Illegal Money Lending Team, to deliver a range of events across our communities, to raise customer awareness about the dangers of borrowing money from loan sharks.”


This year marks the 20th anniversary of the IMLT. Since its launch, it has supported over 31,500 people and written off more than £91.2million worth of illegal debt, securing over 416 prosecutions for illegal money lending, leading to more than 600 years in jail.

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 the website www.stoploansharks.co.uk.

Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Advertising

Advertise with the Droitwich Standard to reach your audience