Community Housing staff have teamed up with police to bite back against loan sharks in Kidderminster.

The tenancy sustainability, localities and income teams at Community Housing joined forces last week for the ‘Bite Back Day’ initiative in the Horsefair.

In collaboration with local police officers and the Illegal Money Lending team from Stop Loan Sharks, the groups embarked on a mission to raise awareness about the presence of loan sharks in the area by distributing leaflets and speaking with those concerned.

Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, Tony Quigley, said: “Loan sharks trap borrowers in a spiral of debt often resorting to extreme methods of intimidation, threats and violence to enforce repayment.

“We are committed to cracking down on unscrupulous lenders with other agencies. We not only want to warn people of the dangers, but we want to offer support to those who might be vulnerable to getting involved with loan sharks.”

The Illegal Money Lending Team works in partnership with Trading Standards services across England to prosecute loan sharks and to support the people and communities that are affected by them.

An estimated 310,000 households are borrowing from illegal money lenders and the highest interest rate seen by a loan shark was 4.5 million percent.

To report a loan shark call the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222, text a report to 07860022116 or complete a secure form at www.stoploansharks.co.uk/report-a-loan-shark/