HIGH school students are learning about the dangers of loan sharks to keep them safe from illegal money lending in the future.
Runcorn police officers and the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) have been educating young people on the topic through animations.
Widnes-based animation company Mako, has been working with Pupils at Sandymoor High School in Runcorn to teach them how to create imaginative Lego animations focusing on the dangers of illegal money lending and loan sharks.
It is hoped that the animations will now be used to educate other pupils at schools across the town.
Police constable Ian Hampson, from Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: "We know that loan sharks have no thought for their victims.
"They prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our community, which is why we are keen to warn people, no matter what age they are, about the perils these criminals pose.
"I hope that all the pupils who have taken part in the scheme will be able to use the knowledge they have gained to ensure that they always steer clear of loan sharks and I look forward to working with other schools across Runcorn in the near future."
The scheme has been funded by B&M Halton Lea store and forms part of an ongoing initiative by PC Ian Hampson and PCSO Georgia Griffiths.
As part of the initiative pupils at Sandymoor High School were visited by Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane, Chief inspector Sarah Heath and representatives from the IMLT.
Sally Jones, Acting Principle of Sandymoor High School, said: "We are very proud to have been selected to take part in this initiative alongside the police and the Illegal Money Lending Team.
"It is so important that our children are warned about the dangers of this activity and the implications it can lead to within our society.
"Our students have relished in the learning experience the team have provided and hopefully it will lead to many others being educated within their family circles as a result."
Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of an illegal money lender is urged to contact the confidential stop loan sharks hotline on 0300 555 2222 or visit the website.
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