To warn of the dangers of loan sharks, “shark proof” security screens are going on vacant council properties across Birmingham, as a trial.
The specialist property management group, VPS, are supporting the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), who are working with Birmingham City Council’s housing department, Birmingham’s Financial Inclusion Partnership and Fortem to install the screens across 50 vacant council properties. The screens will serve as a reminder about the dangers of getting involved with a loan shark and the help and support available to victims through the IMLT.
The authorities point out that many illegal money lenders charge exorbitant rates of interest to trap people into a spiral of debt. The anti-loan shark security screens have been funded using proceeds of crime money, cash confiscated from convicted loan sharks, after court prosecutions.
Carlos Rosa, Sales and Marketing Director, VPS says: “We have special decals to stick on steel security screens for cosmetic purposes, which are increasingly popular as they look far better than plain steels, but these posters carry an important message. Anything that will help reduce the illegal activities that blight our poorest communities is worth trying. If it works in Birmingham, it could be initiated in other cities.” .
The security screens contain contact information for the Illegal Money Lending Team – including a 24 hour hotline number (0300 555 2222) and website: www.stoploansharks.uk.
