Hotline for loan shark crackdown

All calls to the helpline will be treated in confidence

A hotline to report loan sharks in Leicestershire has been introduced to help people deal with money lenders.

It is part of a crackdown on lenders who are unlicensed and often charge extortionate rates of interest.

Many also use threats of violence to intimidate those who cannot repay the money they borrowed on time.

The confidential helpline has been set up by Leicestershire County Council and East Midlands Public Protection Project Team.

The service is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week and offers help and support to loan shark victims and their families.

The confidential hotline number is 0116 217 9550.