A CAMPAIGN to keep vulnerable families away from the jaws of "despicable" loan sharks has been held in Wyre Forest.

The week-long campaign was aimed at warning residents about illegal money lenders and signpost victim support outlets – touring the Walshes estate, Kidderminster school Birchen Coppice Primary Academy and St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary in Stourport.

This project was the result of a partnership between the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), The Community Housing Group and Safer Wyre Forest, with mascot Sid the Shark paying children a visit.

Information on the crime was sent home in pupils' school bags during the week, with leaflets being handed to parents at school gates.

Kathryn Underhill, Chair of Safer Wyre Forest, said: "This crime has a devastating impact on people’s lives and we hope that by raising awareness of the problem, residents will be able to spot a loan shark and get help and support if they have been bitten.”

Ray Brookes, Group Chief Executive for The Community Housing Group, said: “We are really pleased to be part of this important campaign and support the work of the Illegal Money Lending Team in cracking down on loan sharks in our district.

Loan sharks often prey on struggling low-income individuals, exploiting families by leaving them in a vicious cycle of debt from extortionate interest rates.

An estimated 310,000 UK households are affected by lenders without the correct authorisation.

Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team said: “Illegal money lending is a despicable crime which causes nothing but harm to our communities.

“These illegal lenders may appear to be offering a community service, but borrowers are often forced to pay back far and above what they have borrowed and can afford.

“Many are subjected to threats, violence or other callous enforcement methods.”

Worcestershire groups are encouraged to bid for grants in to raise awareness of the loan shark issue and fund the project.

More information on the funding scheme is available by contacting LIAISE manager Dave Benbow at David.A.Benbow@birmingham.gov.uk

People who wish to report a loan shark can call the 24/7 confidential hotline at 0300 555 2222 or text a report to 078600 22116.

People can also email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk, send a private Facebook message onwww.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject or visit the site www.stoploansharks.co.uk for more information.