Groups invited to apply for share of crime cash

Community groups are being invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000.

The cash is being offered by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) using £160,000 they have recovered from loan sharks.

The Stop Loan Sharks Community Fund is aimed at charities, community groups, schools and organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors which help make communities safer and raise awareness of illegal money lending.

Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Loan sharks have a devastating impact on individuals, their families and the wider community.

“By taking these lenders off the streets and stripping them of their ill-gotten gains, we are sending out the message that communities can help stop to this sort of criminality.

“We urge eligible groups to come forward to apply for the funding and help make their community a place where crime cannot thrive.”

A report published last month reveals that there could already be up to one million people in debt to loan sharks in England.

Over £2.5m has been given to more than 600 deserving projects so far since the Stop Loan Sharks Community Fund launched over 10 years ago.

Projects previously funded have included graffiti murals, art therapy sessions for vulnerable adults and drama performance sin schools highlighting the issue.

Details on how to apply for the funding can be found at www.stoploansharks.co.uk/ poca-funding

The closing date for applications is Thursday, June 30.

Anyone who believes they might be the victim of a loan shark can contact the IMLT’s 24/7helplineon03005552222.