THE number of people turning to loan sharks in Bournemouth and Poole is on the rise as people struggle to manage their day to day bills.

According to Emma Lee, operations manager at Citizens Advice Bournemouth, more and more people are putting themselves and family members in vulnerable positions to get out of financial difficulty.

She said: "With the credit crunch and banks not lending money as frequently as before, the changes in the benefit systems and local councils ending emergency financial support people are finding it more and more difficult to borrow money.

"As a result they are more at risk of turning to unsavoury methods to access money when in need. Putting themselves and family members in vulnerable positions.

Ms Lee also said that statistics show a general increase across the conurbation of those that are in financial difficulties and struggling to manage their day to day bills.

Poole policing teams and Poole Trading Standards have been working together to raise awareness of loan sharks and support vulnerable members of the community who may have been affected by an illegal money lender.

On Thursday the Dorset Police were handed a highly commended award as part of the Stop Loan Sharks Team’s National Champions Awards.

The police force were recognised for their successful activities delivered last year across Poole to help raise awareness of the dangers of getting involved with a loan shark.

In spring 2016, officers from the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) were invited in to deliver training to neighbourhood policing teams in Poole after Sergeant Adrian Thompson identified a risk around loan sharks in the town.

Sergeant Thompson said: “Dorset Police is aware that illegal money lending does take place particularly in this tough financial climate.

"Loan sharks target vulnerable members of the community and use fear and intimidation to prevent those seeking help.

"We are determined, with our partners in the IMLT and local Trading Standards, to make our communities safe and deal strongly with loan sharks operating in Dorset.

"I would urge anyone who has been approached by a loan shark to contact the Illegal Money Lending Team who can offer support and advice, or speak to your local neighbourhood policing team.

James Norman, regulatory team manager at Poole Trading Standards, said: “We know this is hugely unreported in Poole and we are sure there are issues locally. Please come forward and tell us so we can help you and protect vulnerable people.”

To report a loan shark call the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222

To find out more go to stoploansharks.co.uk.