In September 2018 the “don’t get bitten by a loan shark” Campaign was launched by Winchester City Council
 
The signing was organised in conjunction with the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) to raise awareness of the problem and help people in the local community.

The partnership will raise awareness of illegal money lending, secure prosecutions and work with local organisations in Winchester and the wider district to ensure people in the hands of loan sharks are able to access appropriate advice, affordable credit and other sources of support.

What is a Loan Shark?     
                                                                                            
A loan shark, not to be confused with a high cost legal lender, is someone who lends money without the permission required by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Permission is given by the Financial Conduct Authority to individuals or companies whom they believe are “fit and proper”.
Loan Shark activity is characterised by deliberate criminal activity, with extortionate rates of interest charged on loans that mean borrowers can face demands for payment of thousands of pounds more than they borrowed and can often never pay off the loans. Borrowers who fail to pay or refuse to pay can be subject to intimidation, humiliation and extreme physical violence.

If you believe a loan shark is operating then please call the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) on 0300 555 2222.

If you have a community event we where can raise awareness either with colleagues or community residents please contact Janette Palmer with the details jpalmer@winchester.gov.uk. Also contact Janette if you have a group of 10 or more who would be interested in receiving awareness briefing from the Illegal Money Lending Team.
 

Spare Change for Real Change works by collecting donations for the public and sharing the proceeds between Trinity Winchester & Winchester Churches Night Shelter, who ensure that the money is used in the best possible way to work towards rehabilitating homeless people.

Donations change be made in over 50 red house-shaped collection boxes located in bars, pubs, shops and small businesses all across Winchester

This year Neighbourhood Watch week will focus on the theme of 40 YEARS - 40 ACTIONS to encourage Neighbourhood Watch groups to engage with their communities through a mix of small and big actions. The week falls over the same weekend as the Queen’s Jubilee and the Big Lunch project. This provides the perfect opportunity to get-together safely with neighbours outdoors or at a street party.  

Winchester Community Safety Partnership will once again be supporting this annual campaign by raising awareness of Neighbourhood Watch and taking the opportunity to promote crime prevention advice such as home security checks, frauds and scams, ActEarly and Streetsafe online tools.

Follow the City Council’s social media channels during this week to find out more.