HARD up borough residents are being warned to steer clear of loan sharks this Christmas.

People are often tempted to lend cash from loan sharks to cover the expense of the season, especially as they can often act like friends and make the offer seem hard to resist.

But the situation can spiral out of control very quickly and borrowers can be subjected to threats, violence and intimidation.

Anyone worried about loan shark activity can attend an awareness event in Brierley Hill on December 1, and speak to local support agencies who can offer advice and support.

The event, jointly organised by Dudley Safe and Sound, England’s Illegal Money Lending Team, the police and fire service, will run from 11am to 3pm at Brierley Hill Community Fire Station on Dudley Road.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for community safety, said: “Loan sharks aren’t licensed to lend money legally, and they will often resort to the most extreme methods to enforce repayment.

“Our advice is that you should never go to a loan shark.

"They do not provide a community service, they are simply out to make money.

"If you suspect that there is one operating in your area please report it.”

Credit unions are recommended as a safe, alternative lending and saving facility.

To find out about Castle & Crystal Credit Union in Dudley call 01384 815771 or visit www.castleandcrystal.co.uk.

Loan sharks can be reported confidentially by calling Illegal Money Lending England on 0300 555 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, people can send an email to reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk