Campaign urges community to report loan sharks (From St Helens Star)

Campaign urges community to report loan sharks

10:47am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News

THE dangers of loan sharks and why they should be avoided will be highlighted during an awareness campaign which started on Monday.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team working alongside Helena Partnerships and St Helens Council will be encouraging St Helens people to turn away from loan sharks and report the crime if they have been a victim.

On Thursday, there will be an Agency and Community Clean up day at Perth Community Centre.

Drop in for advice on avoiding and reporting loan sharks and other money matters from a range of agencies including St Helens Credit Union and the Money Matters Team. It runs from 10am-2pm.

Health checks will be available throughout the day and into the evening from 2.30pm-7pm.

Councillor Richard McCauley, cabinet member for environmental protection and safer communities at St Helens Council said: “It is very difficult to get people to come forward to report loan sharks.

“People need to be aware that there are people here who can help and they do not have to turn to loan sharks.”

To report a loan shark call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222 or text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003.