Cash confiscated from convicted loan sharks has been awarded to Wirral Methodist Housing Association in Birkenhead to host a series of community events across Birkenhead to highlight the dangers of Loan Sharks.
Loan Shark Week will take place during February half term and will be a mixture a fun and educational workshops across Birkenhead.
During Loan Shark Week free art and craft sessions for all ages will be running in a pop up shop in The Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead. The free workshops from Monday 20th to Friday 24th February 10.30-3pm will be led by professional artists and visitors of alls age will get the opportunity to create some fantastic sharks of all shapes and sizes made out of paper, modelling clay and paint.
Wirral Methodist HA will also be out on the road visiting elderly residents in local sheltered housing schemes and YMCA Wirral`s homeless hostel to spread the message to as many members of the community as possible.
Loan Shark Week will be delivered with assistance from Wirral Credit Union, Wirral Citizens Advice Bureau and Wirral Trading Standards.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team, who investigate and prosecute loan sharks, have put forward multiple pots of £5000 of Proceeds of Crime Money to subsidise community projects that assist in raising awareness of loan sharks.
Tony Quigley, Head of Service for the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) said:
“Through this scheme, the extorted cash is being put to excellent use. Thanks to everyone who voted or entered a bid – you have contributed to making a difference and tackling this crime in your community.
“Loan sharks are a scourge on society and cause harm and misery to their victims, but we are continuing to tackle them in Birkenhead and across the country. We would always urge victims of illegal money lenders to seek help by contacting us in confidence on 0300 555 2222”
Nationally, Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured more than 354 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 298 years’ worth of custodial sentences. They have written off £71.75 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 26,000 people
To report a loan shark:
Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222
Text a report to 07860 022 116
E-mail [email protected]
Private message on www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject
