A woman in her 20s has been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending near Bristol. Police arrested the 26-year-old at a property in Clevedon early this morning, Wednesday, December 11.
Avon and Somerset Police worked alongside the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) to make the arrest after executing a warrant at an address.
Officers seized electronic devices from the scene and the woman was taken into custody. She is due to be questioned by IMLT investigators about the suspected illegal money lending.
Dave Benbow, acting head of the IMLT, said: “Illegal money lending will not be tolerated in England and we work with our partners across the country to take action against those who blight our communities in this way.
“Illegal lenders are often well known in communities and can pretend to be a friend at first, offering a favour. But they can then start using threats and violence to make people pay. If you, or anyone you know, has been targeted by an illegal lender, you can contact our team in complete confidence.”
Figures from the Centre for Social Justice (CJS) estimate there are up to 1.8 million people in debt to loan sharks in England. There are warning signs to help protect you from illegal lenders.
A loan shark will not give out any paperwork or agreement on a loan, they will refuse to give you information regarding the loans. They may keep your personal items like a bank card or passport until the debt is paid, and they may take more of your belongings if you do not pay on time.
An illegal lender will also add more interest or charges so the debt never goes down. They may also use violence or intimidation if you are unable to, or do not pay.
Anyone affected by illegal money lending can call the confidential Stop Loan Sharks helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk.