MK City Council announce summer events to combat illegal money lenders and loan sharks

Milton Keynes City Council has announced plans to hold a series of summer events to raise awareness of the activities of illegal money lenders and loan sharks.

The events form part of the ongoing Operation Sharknet campaign, with Milton Keynes City Council working in partnership with the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), Thames Valley Police, SOFEA Community Larder and Acorn Community Bank. Together, they’re bringing information and support directly into neighbourhoods throughout June and July.

The first event took place yesterday (02/06) at the Lidl store in the Brooklands area of the city, where Cllr Saleena Raja, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, joined partners and ‘Sharky’, the Stop Loan Sharks mascot, to help raise awareness and speak with residents.

People are encouraged to drop by any of the upcoming sessions, whether they’re worried about their finances, think they may have been affected by a loan shark, or simply want to find out more. Advisors will be available to offer guidance, explain the warning signs of illegal lending, and highlight safer, more affordable options.

Cllr Saleena Raja, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said, “We know that financial pressures can affect anyone, and loan sharks often target people when they’re at their most vulnerable. These events are about making sure residents know they’re not alone and that there is support available. I encourage anyone who is concerned, or just wants to understand their options, to come along, have a conversation and get the right advice.”

Events will take place at the following locations:

Wednesday 3 June in the foyer of Bletchley Lidl between 10.30am–1pm, the Water Hall Larder on Fern Grove, Bletchley between 1.30pm–3.30pm, and a walkabout session on Fern Grove, Melfort Drive & Torridon Close from 1.30pm–2.30pm.

Monday 13 July in the foyer of the Blakelands Lidl, 10.30am–1pm, the Rainbows Larder in Pepper Hill School, Kingsfold, 1.30pm–3.30pm and a walkabout at Bekanscot Court & Runnymede, Giffard Park between 1.30pm–2.30pm.

Tuesday 14 July will also see events at the Wolverton Lidl foyer and Wolverton Library, 10.30am–1pm, a further drop-in at Wolverton Library, 2.30pm–3.30pm, and a walkabout on St George’s Way, Green Lane & Moon Street, 1.30pm–2.30pm.

Wednesday 15 July will see an event at Springfield Larder, Springfield Boulevard, 2pm–4pm.

Since it was set up in 2004, the IMLT has secured around 434 successful prosecutions, with illegal lenders sentenced to more than 618 years in prison. Over £92 million in illegal debt has been written off, and around 33,000 borrowers have been supported.