A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending following a joint operation near Midsomer Norton.

The 45-year-old was arrested on Wednesday, December 18, after the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with officers from Avon and Somerset Police to execute a warrant at an address in the area.

Officers seized electronic devices and the suspect was taken into custody to be questioned by IMLT investigators.

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

Dave Benbow, acting head of the IMLT, said: “We work with partners to dismantle illegal lending operations in communities across England.

“Illegal lenders target the most vulnerable in society and can trap them in a cycle of debt. But we can help. If you have been offered a loan, been threatened when you couldn’t pay, or if what you owe keeps growing, then you may have been targeted by an illegal lender.

"If you, or anyone you know, has experienced any of these things, contact our team in complete confidence.”

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 IMLT is a national organisation hosted by Birmingham City Council. It was created in 2004 and since then has supported over 32,000 people and written off over £91.3 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 at www.stoploansharks.co.uk.

Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.