What: Launch of Cumbria County Council's illegal money lending investigation service
Where: The Council Chamber, County Hall, Busher Walk, Kendal
When: 2:00pm, Friday 9 May 2008
Loan sharks in Cumbria are to be targeted by a special squad of investigators based in Birmingham.
The government-backed scheme, which already operates in other parts of the North West, will be launched in Cumbria on Friday 9 May 2008.
The elite team has been given authority by Cumbria County Council to track down suspected loan sharks in Cumbria.
People with concerns about illegal money lenders will be able to get in touch with the team of investigators on the special hotline number 0300-555-2222 or by emailing stoploansharks@cumbriacc.gov.uk
The task-force will track illegal money lenders and prosecute them and then help victims to find other legitimate sources of credit.
The team, which can obtain warrants and carry out detailed surveillance work, is funded by the government to combat illegal money lending in each UK region.
It is estimated that the Birmingham team has already helped wipe out more than £4million of illegal debt 'owed' by some of the poorest members of society, helping over 4,000 people. It has also seized guns and drugs and recovered more than £100,000 worth of counterfeit items.
Phil Ashcroft, head of Cumbria Trading Standards, and members of the new illegal money lending team will be at the event.
ENDS
Please note: Cumbria County Council's media team telephone numbers have now changed.
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228 226337.