Loan sharks in Cumbria are to be targeted by a special squad of investigators from Birmingham.
The government-backed scheme, which already operates in other parts of the North West, is being extended to Cumbria following approval by Cumbria County Council’s cabinet at their meeting today (5 February).
The task-force from the Midlands track illegal money lenders and prosecute them. Victims can also get witness protection so they can testify in court, and then help to find other sources of credit.
The elite team has been given authority by the county council to track down suspected loan sharks in Cumbria.
The team, which can obtain search warrants and carry out detailed surveillance work, will be paid for by the government who are providing ring-fenced funding for specialist squads to combat illegal money lending in each UK region.
Councillor Gary Strong, cabinet member for Community Development and Safety, said: "Loan sharks prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our society. By using the skills of this specialist team to hunt down unscrupulous money lenders, we can put more of them out of business."
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Note
All council meetings papers (including Item 15 Appendix) can be found at:
http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/CouncilMeetings/
The cabinet paper (item 15) considered by councillors today