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A 26-year-old woman was arrested earlier today on suspicion of illegal money lending following an operation in north Somerset.

The UK Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked with officers from Avon and Somerset Police to execute a warrant at an address in the Clevedon area.

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

The IMLT works with the North Somerset Council Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal moneylenders.

Dave Benbow, acting head of the IMLT, said: “Illegal lending will not be tolerated in England and we are working with our partners across the country to take action against those who are destroying our communities in this way.

“Illegal lenders are often well known in communities and may initially pose as a friend by offering a favor. But they can then use threats and violence to make people pay. If you or someone you know has been targeted by an illegal lender, please contact our team with confidence.”

According to figures from the Center for Social Justice (CSJ), as many as 1.08 million people in England are in debt to loan sharks.

The warning signs of an illegal lender include:

• You will not receive any paperwork or agreement on a loan
• Refusing to give you information about the loan
• Keeping items until the debt is paid, such as your bank card or passport
• Taking things from you if you don’t pay on time
• Adding more interest or fees so that the debt never decreases
• Use intimidation or violence if you do not pay

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the IMLT. Since launch, the team has supported more than 32,000 people and written off £91.3 million worth of illegal debt, securing more than 427 prosecutions for illegal money lending, resulting in more than 609 years in prison.