A 26-YEAR-OLD woman has been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending during a police operation in north Somerset.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), working with officers from Avon and Somerset Police, executed a warrant at an address in the Clevedon area.

Officers seized electronic devices and the suspect was taken into custody to be questioned by IMLT investigators

The IMLT works in partnership with North Somerset Council Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.

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.”

There are up to 1.08 million people in debt to loan sharks in England, according to figures from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).

The warning signs of an illegal lender include:
Giving you no paperwork or agreement on a loan
Refusing to give you information about the loan
Keeping items until the debt is paid such as your bank card or passport
Taking things from you if you don’t pay on time
Adding more interest or charges so the debt never goes down
Using intimidation or violence if you don’t pay

Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 confidential helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk.