Loan sharks in Cumbria could soon find themselves sunk by a special squad of investigators from Birmingham.
The government-backed scheme, which already operates in other parts of the North West, could be extended to Cumbria in just a few weeks time if the county council’s cabinet gives the go-ahead when it meets next week (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.
Cumbria Trading Standards will ask councillors to give the elite team authority to track down suspected loan sharks in the county.
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.
Cumbria's head of Cumbria Trading Standards, Phil Aschcroft, said: "Getting intelligence on loan sharks is often a difficult and lengthy process. Fear of intimidation is just one reason why victims are sometimes reluctant to come forward.
"The Birmingham taskforce has the specialist skills needed to offer witnesses protection and bring more unscrupulous money lenders to book."
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes
View a copy of the cabinet papers to be considered by councillors when they meet on 5 Februrary, by following the link at the bottom of the page.
To view other cabinet documents (including the appendix for this item) follow this link: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/councilmeetings/committees/cabinet.asp
Cabinet Papers (Item 15) Illegal Moneylending