The Police Service of Northern Ireland along with the charity Crimestoppers and Advice NI are highlighting the dangers associated with predatory money lending in the run up to the Christmas period.
A radio advertising and social media campaign, led by Crimestoppers, will run until December 31st, demonstrating the cruel realities associated with this type of crime and police along with partners are encouraging anyone affected to reach out and seek help.
Superintendent Joanne Gibson, Strategic Partnerships, Prevention and Community Engagement said: “We know that in the run up to Christmas many families feel the pressure of spending huge amounts of money on gifts for loved ones. People who are struggling with finances may be manipulated by illegal lenders who falsely present themselves as trying to ‘help’.
“Unfortunately, the initial loan of money often results in hefty interest rates on repayments and victims find themselves in a terrifying cycle of debt and fear, as they struggle to pay money back.
“Victims with unpaid debts, and indeed their loved ones, are exploited and often forced to repay by other means, such as storing or selling drugs. We’ve also heard shocking anecdotes of people being forced into sexual exploitation as a form of repayment.
“This type of crime is simply unacceptable and we appeal to anyone involved to break the cycle of silence and reach out to us or one of our partners for guidance and advice. Be assured that we will work relentlessly to pursue the perpetrators of these devastating illegal acts.
“I would also encourage people to familiarise themselves with the ‘Ending the Harm’ public awareness campaign, delivered by the NI Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime, which has been successful in bringing this hidden harm to the fore.
“Anyone with information can contact the Police or Crimestoppers and in doing so, will help us to pursue those who are taking advantage of people in need. I would remind everyone that contact with Crimestoppers is completely anonymous.
“We are here to listen and to help,” added Superintendent Gibson.
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations for the charity Crimestoppers said: “We know that people stay silent about illegal money lending due to being frightened or embarrassed. If you know about those involved in this exploitative crime and don’t want to tell the police, then the charity Crimestoppers is here for you.
“We are independent and we guarantee you’ll stay completely anonymous. Tell us what you know and we’ll pass it on for you. When you contact our charity via our website, your device’s IP address is scrambled. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.
“You can speak to one of our specially trained staff at our 24/7 UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or use our anonymous online form on our website at Crimestoppers-uk.org. By speaking up anonymously when we know something, we can help protect all communities across Northern Ireland.”
Sinead Campbell, Head of Money, Debt and Quality at Advice NI, said: “It’s incredibly important that we continue to shine a light on the realities of illegal lending.
“Communities across Northern Ireland remain under the negative influence of people exerting control over vulnerable people for their own financial gain. People tend to turn to illegal lending as a last resort, without considering the serious consequences that occur from not being able to repay the debt. We would urge anyone in a difficult financial situation to try and avoid going down this route – it can be a dangerous solution.
“Secondly, we would reassure people who are already caught up in the spiral of illegal lending that support is available. It is never too late to engage with our expert advisers to discuss any financial difficulties you’re experiencing. We can be contacted confidentially and for free on 0800 915 4604.”
To make a report to Police Service of Northern Ireland go to www.psni.police.uk/report
To contact Crimestoppers anonymously, call 0800 555 111.