CASH confiscated from convicted loan sharks has been awarded to 15 projects which help to highlight the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders, promote budgeting and reduce crime and disorder in Cheshire West and Chester.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team, working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council provided the ill-gotten gains taken from illegal lenders to local communities, with more than 660 votes cast by local residents online or at drop-in events held this week in Chester, Frodsham, Winsford and Ellesmere Port.
Christians Against Poverty, based in Winsford, were chosen as the overall winner receiving £1,000 worth of loan shark’s confiscated cash. They will use this funding to will fund a shop advising clients on debt issues and warn of the dangers of loan sharks.
Other projects put forward by housing associations, credit unions, football teams, police, councils and other agencies and charities were awarded £500 of loan sharks confiscated cash.
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive member for community and environment, Cllr Lynn Riley, said: “It is wonderful that so many community based projects will benefit from the money that has been recovered from criminals.
“Each project will also contribute to spreading the message of not borrowing from loan sharks and encourage all to ‘shop a shark’.”
Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “The scheme was positive with the extorted cash put to excellent use.
“Thanks to everyone who attended in person or entered a bid online – you have contributed to making a difference and tackling this crime in your community.
“Loan sharks are a scourge on society and cause harm and misery to their victims, but we are continuing to tackle them. We would always urge victims of illegal money lenders to seek help by contacting us in confidence on 0300 555 2222.”
Nationally the Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured 222 prosecutions leading to more than 150 years worth of custodial sentences.
