Stopping loan sharks in Wychavon with Operation Sharknet

The England Illegal Money Lending Team is launching Operation Sharknet in Wychavon next week (JUNE 22 to 25) to help keep people safe from loan sharks.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) is working with Platform Housing, Wychavon District Council, West Mercia Police and Rooftop Housing to bring its campaign to the area to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal lenders.

The IMLT, known as Stop Loan Sharks, was set up over 20 years ago to investigate and prosecute illegal lenders and support borrowers across England.

The visit to Wychavon, which runs from Monday, June 22nd to Thursday, June 25th, will see the team on hand to let people know about the support available to those who have been targeted by loan sharks. They will also offer information on how to spot the signs of a loan shark, what the dangers are and what the safe alternatives are if they need to borrow money.

Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, a national organisation hosted by Birmingham City Council, said: “We’re really looking forward to visiting Wychavon and doing what we can to help keep local families safe from illegal lenders.

“Illegal money lenders bring real misery to communities, often targeting the most vulnerable, and their activities are frequently linked to wider criminal behaviour such as theft and drug offences. If anyone in the area thinks they may have been targeted by an illegal lender, we would urge them to come and speak to us in confidence. We’re here to listen, to help, and to support people - never to judge.”

Lisa Fairlie, director of housing operations at Platform Housing Group, said: “We’re proud to support Operation Sharknet and the vital work it does to tackle loan sharks and raise awareness within our communities. These events are an important opportunity to empower residents with information, offer support where it’s needed, and work collectively with partners to protect people from financial exploitation. At Platform, we’re committed to creating safer, stronger communities – and this campaign helps make that possible.”

Boris Worrall, Rooftop Housing Group chief executive, said: “Loan sharks exploit people who are facing financial pressures, causing serious harm to individuals and communities. At Rooftop, we want our customers to know that they’re not alone. If you’re struggling to pay your rent or bills, please get in touch with us as soon as you can. Our team may be able to help check the right benefit entitlements, maximise your income or connect you with trusted support. Seeking support early can prevent problems from escalating, and we are here to listen and support, not to judge.”

Councillor Rob Adams, executive board member for Strong Communities, Culture and Sport at Wychavon District Council, added: "The council’s support for this event is an important step in putting the risks of loan sharks and illegal lending back into the local conversation this summer. Although financial hardship can leave people feeling as if they have no alternative, support is available from Stop Loan Sharks and on our own council website."

During the week, the Stop Loan Sharks team will be at the following locations:

• Monday, June 22: 8.30am to 10am - The Westlands Community Fridge and Cafe, Meadow Way, Droitwich. Then 10.30am to 11.30am, walkabout in Westlands
• Tuesday, June 23: 11am to 1pm, Morrisons, Davies Road Evesham 
• Thursday, June 25: 11am to 1pm, Asda, King George's Way, Pershore. Then 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Pardoe Drive walkabout

Since it was set up in 2004, the IMLT has made hundreds of arrests and secured around 434 successful prosecutions, with illegal lenders locked up for more than 618 years. More than £92 million in illegal debt has been written off, and around 33,000 borrowers have been supported.

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 www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website and WhatsApp messages can also be sent to 07700 102773.