The Illegal Moneylending Team set up their stall at Tesco, Ryde. From left, Sue Hughes, of IW Trading Standards, Syd the Shark and Tesco customer services manager Andrew Cooke. Picture by Peter Boam.
A CAMPAIGN to crack down on loan sharks has been launched on the Island.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team, working with Isle of Wight Council trading standards officers, launched the Fishing for Sharks campaign to target illegal lenders and encourage victims to seek help.
Team members were on hand to offer advice at Ryde, with mascot Sid the Shark, and will also deliver thousands of information leaflets across the Island.
"Many people are left living in misery and fear by illegal moneylenders," said team leader Tony Quigley.
"These criminals prey on the vulnerable and many will resort to violence to claim repayment."
• To report a loan shark or seek help, contact the team’s confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk