Stop Arun’s Loan Sharks | Latest news

 

Arun District Council’s Think Family team are working in partnership with the Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) to raise awareness about the dangers of loan sharks.

A week of action is being held in the Arun District from Monday, 25 April, to encourage people to turn away from loan sharks and report crime if they have become a victim, as well as offering advice on alternative lending options.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Arun District Council, said: “Loan sharks appear friendly at first but quickly trap their victims into a vicious circle of spiralling debts through threats, violence and intimidation.

“They often charge exorbitant interest rates, and in some cases they have taken money directly from their victims’ bank accounts.

“This campaign aims to urge those who are victims of loan sharks not to suffer in silence and get the help they need so they can get back on their feet. There are also hints and tips on money management available on our website.”

The campaign includes Stop Loan Sharks ‘Community Advocate’ training. The free sessions will give in-depth information about key things to look out for in order to spot loan sharks, the relevance of loan sharks for your organisation and a better understanding of information and intelligence.

The effect loan sharks have on victims and the impact they have on crime and disorder within in communities will also be highlighted. 

The training is aimed at community safety staff, police, money advisors, arrears collection teams, customer service officers, social workers and anyone who is involved in providing a public facing customer service.

The Stop Loan sharks “Community Advocate” Training sessions will be on Wednesday, 27 April from 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 2.30pm and takes place at Bognor Regis Town Hall.

If you would like to attend please contact Catherine Wohlers on 07825 904 587 or email Catherine.Wohlers@birmingham.gov.uk or Lin Fisher on 07825 904 587 or email Lin.Fisher@birmingham.gov.uk.

Arun District Council, the Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice Bureau and IMLT will be spreading the word about the campaign on social media using the hashtag #arunstoploansharks during the week of action.

For some tips on managing your money please visit the debt page.