AN ANTI-SLAVERY team has been recognised for their work raising awareness of the dangers of using loan sharks.

Discovery, a multi-agency team in East Sussex dedicated to combating modern slavery, has won a national award presented by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).

The IMLT investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders while supporting those who have borrowed money from a loan shark.

Discovery have worked in partnership with the IMLT to spread the anti-loan shark warning.

The team, who specialise in the tackling of modern slavery and human trafficking in the East Sussex area, have all received training to help spot the signs of illegal money lending, as well as making referral of people in debt bondage which is closely linked to victims of labour exploitation.

The Argus: PC Jess Boulton and PC Mark Charlton PC Jess Boulton and PC Mark Charlton

Detective Sergeant Greg Montier, of Sussex Police, said: “By working in partnership with the specialist team, this has given the Discovery partnership another way of causing disruption to gangs who use the threat of illegal money lending as a tool to exploit vulnerable people.”

Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “We would like to congratulate Discovery on their partner recognition award and thank them for their outstanding efforts tackling loan sharks.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our partners across the country and rely on them to act as our eyes and ears in communities. By working together, we can stamp out illegal money lending and protect residents from this awful crime.

“We continue to encourage people to come forward if they know of or have been a victim of loan sharks. You are not alone, and we will support you.”

Discovery consists of local police officers, fire officers, Stop the Traffik Hastings, staff from Hastings and Rother councils, DWP, HMRC, Home Office Immigration, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and local charities - all with the aim of seeing victims of modern slavery rescued and supported, and perpetrators brought to justice.

Anyone who believes they might be the victim of a loan shark can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24-hour confidential helpline on 0300 555 2222, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or complete an online report form at www.stoploansharks.co.uk.