Two people have been arrested in Crewe following an early morning operation, on suspicion of illegal money lending.

On Wednesday 29 January, a man, aged 56, and a 46-year-old woman were arrested at an address in the town after a warrant was executed by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), working in partnership with Cheshire Police. 

Officers seized electronic devices and documents, and the suspects were taken into custody to be questioned by IMLT investigators.  

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with Cheshire Police to arrest the man and woman (Cheshire Police).

The IMLT works in partnership with Cheshire East Council Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders. 

Acting head of the IMLT, Dave Benbow, said: "Illegal money lending will not be tolerated in England, and we will continue to work with our partners to take action against those who blight our communities in this way. 

"If you think you, or anyone you know, has borrowed from a loan shark then you can contact our team in complete confidence for expert support and advice."  

There are up to 1.08 million people in debt to loan sharks in England, according to figures from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). 

The warning signs of an illegal lender include: 

• Giving you no paperwork or agreement on a loan 
• Refusing to give you information about the loan 
• Keeping items until the debt is paid such as your bank card or passport
• Taking things from you if you don't pay on time 
• Adding more interest or charges so the debt never goes down 
• Using intimidation or violence if you don't pay

The IMLT is a national organisation hosted by Birmingham City Council.

The IMLT works in partnership with Cheshire East Council Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders (Photo: IMLT).

Since its launch in 2004, it has supported over 32,000 people and written off over £91.6 million worth of illegal debt, securing over 427 prosecutions for illegal money lending, leading to over 609 years in jail.

Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online HERE. Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

READ MORE: Controversial Crewe HMO development recommended for approval.

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