THREE suspected “loan sharks” operating in the Warrington area have been arrested and charged following an investigation by the England Illegal Money Lending Team and Cheshire Police.
The Team, who work in partnership with Warrington and Halton Borough Council and Knowsley Borough Council executed warrants at three residential properties in the Great Sankey, Knowsley and Runcorn areas and the suspects, two men aged 55 and 33 and a woman aged 59, were taken to custody for questioning.
John Radford, aged 55, has been charged with illegal money lending and offences under the firearms act and been remanded in custody to appear at Warrington Crown Court on Tuesday April 10.
Paul Holman, aged 33, has been charged with illegal money lending and handling a stolen car and has been released on bail and is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates Court on Monday April 2.
The woman, Cindy Hope, has been charged with illegal money lending and has also been released on bail to appear at Warrington Magistrates Court on Monday April 2. 
Cllr David Keane, (pictured right) executive board member for environment and public protection at Warrington Borough Council said: “Loan sharks are criminals who prey on vulnerable people such as single parents, the elderly, or people on benefits – who can suffer harassment, threats, and spiralling financial difficulties. If you owe money to a loan shark or want to help someone else, please get in touch today.”
Detective Inspector Dave Blood, of Cheshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Cheshire Police is working in partnership with the Illegal Money Lending Team. We are committed to working together to alleviate distress and hardship within local communities caused by unlicensed money lenders. We will not tolerate any sort of behaviour that has a negative effect on the quality of life of local people. We will tackle any issues, which are causing concern within the local community, and will continue to work alongside other agencies to challenge suspected criminal behaviour.”
Nationally the Stop Loan Shark Project has secured over 200 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to 130 years worth of custodial sentences.
They have written off almost £40 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 18,000 victims.
To report a loan shark Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222 or Text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003 or E-mail [email protected]
or Log-on to www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks or visit Facebook www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject
Loan shark suspects arrested
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
