Campaign highlights dangers of using loan sharks

People are being offered confidential help and support

Families are being offered advice on how to stay safe from loan sharks.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) has organised a week of action in the Redcar and Cleveland area.

It runs until Friday and is in partnership with the local council and police.

Cath Wohlers, liaise team manager at the IMLT said: "The hope is that people work up the courage and talk to us."

As part of the tour, the team will visit Redcar as well as the Dormanstown, South Bank and Grangetown areas.

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Ms Wohlers said talking about loan shark debt was "the last thing" anyone wanted to admit to.

"They operate by pretending to be your friend, and will be nice as pie when they give you your loan," she said.

"It's much further down the line when people realise what's happened.

"They'll make you feel like it's your fault, and that what's happening to you is deserved."

Representatives will be handing out information about how to spot a loan shark and how to manage finances safely.

It is thought there are just over one million people in debt to loan sharks in England, according to the Centre for Social Justice.

Tony Quigley, head of the IMLT, added help and support was confidential.

"If you haven’t borrowed, but think you may need to, still come along," he said.

"We can help you explore the safer alternatives available."