Award for raising loan shark awareness.

A crime prevention officer for Devon and Cornwall Police has won an award for her outstanding work in raising awareness of the dangers of borrowing money from loan sharks.

Sarah German, crime prevention officer for Plymouth and surrounding area, has been named as the South West winner of the Stop Loan Sharks Award.

Crime Prevention Officer are often connected to the local police force and are trained to provide advice and impart their knowledge to the public, local businesses and the police in matters relating to crime prevention techniques and advising on general community safety issues.

The award has been given by the Illegal Money Lending Team in recognition for her work in Plymouth to raise awareness of the risks of borrowing money illegally and the impact it has on victims.

Sarah initially embarked on the project after learning that the demographics of Plymouth lent itself to a potential problem with loan sharks.

She worked alongside communities and businesses to distribute information and promote the national hotline number 0300 555 2222 for reporting loan sharks. Sarah is now extending the work to prevent more people becoming affected.

She said: “I am extremely proud and happy to receive the award; this was an amazing opportunity for me to raise awareness in Plymouth and the surrounding area.

“I worked extremely closely with partners and communities to encourage people to report loan sharks and demonstrate the impact borrowing money illegally can have on people’s lives.  In the current austere times it often seems an easy way of solving money problems but unfortunately the unscrupulous methods and huge interest added by loan sharks prove this isn’t so.”

Superintendent Phil Kennedy, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “I am delighted Sarah has been recognised for her work in Plymouth to raise awareness of loan shark practices. The regional award recognises the high levels of initiative and motivation shown by Sarah to protect her local community from the insidious practices of loan sharks. The award is fully deserved.”

Loan sharking is becoming an increasing problem in the UK as the recession continues to bite. While they offer initially reasonable sounding amounts they can soon start charging interest  at unspecified amounts to keep people in constant debt.

Loan sharks have been known to use blackmail, violence and taking items like passports and property deeds as collateral. 

Sarah was presented with her award at a ceremony in Plymouth on 29 August. She will now also compete for the national award and the public can support her bid by voting atwww.surveymonkey.com/s/7DF9VRG before Friday 30 September.