A campaign in Bradford will aim to combat the threat of “despicable” loan sharks in the district.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team, in partnership with West Yorkshire Joint Services and the police, wants to raise awareness of the dangers of what has been described as “a scourge on our communities”.

Targeting Bingley and Shipley, the team is aiming to encourage people to avoid loan sharks and to report them to police if they have been a victim.

David Lodge, divisional manager at West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “Loan sharks are a scourge on our communities, exploiting and extorting the public. This campaign is a great way of raising awareness, and encouraging anyone who has been a victim of a crime to come forward.”

The team will host two sessions next week, starting on Monday, to enable people to get a greater understanding of the dangers posed by loan sharks.

The first session is at Bingley Youth Cafe, Bingley Pool, between 10am and 1pm on Monday. The second session is on Friday, 10am to 1pm, at the Health Action Local Engagement project, Merchants Quay, Shipley.

A separate session will also be held to teach police officers and staff about the dangers of loan sharks in order to signpost and support anyone they meet in their day-to-day work who has been a victim. Officers from the Illegal Money Lending Team and local police officers will also be visiting homes in the district to offer advice to residents.

An estimated 310,000 households across the country are in debt to a loan shark. In February, a Bradford loan shark was given a suspended prison sentence for illegal money lending and two counts of money laundering.

James Stone lent a minimum of £11,000 to at least 28 people in just over a year. When one victim struggled to pay him back, Stone suggested she sell her body to help pay off the debt.

Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Illegal money lending is a despicable crime which causes nothing but harm to our communities.

“These lenders may appear to be offering a community service but borrowers are often forced to pay back far and above what they have borrowed and can afford. Many are subjected to threats, violence or other callous enforcement methods.”

Call the confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222, or text ‘loan shark and your message’ to 60003. Alternatively, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk, or send a message at www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject.