Task force launches drive to catch loan sharks who prey on vulnerable

A SPECIAL task force is launching a new offensive to tackle loan sharks preying on some of Yorkshire’s most vulnerable communities.

Training sessions highlighting the dangers of borrowing money from illegal lenders are held at Birstall and Birkenshaw Children’s Centre in Fieldhead Crescent, Birstall, from 10am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3.30pm today.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards and the England Illegal Money Lending Team will also host a money-saving workshop tomorrow from 1pm to 3pm.

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And Kirklees Housing and West Yorkshire Police will be visiting residents and handing out beer mats promoting a helpline number in local pubs and bars.

Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan said: “As a council we are committed to helping residents out of poverty and a significant factor in that journey is supporting them to manage their finances.

“I urge anyone who thinks they may be victim of an illegal money lender to find out more at one of these events or contact the help-line.”

An estimated 310,000 households across the country are in debt to a loan shark.

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Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said it was a “despicable” crime.

He said: “These lenders may appear to be offering a community service but borrowers are often forced to pay back far above what they have borrowed and can afford. Many are subjected to threats, violence or other callous enforcement methods.”

To report a loan shark or to get help, call 0300 555 2222 in confidence.