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SINGAPORE: More people are turning to counselling to deal with loanshark debt. The police are also stepping up efforts to tackle the growing problem which is said to be linked to the economic downturn.
An increasing number of people are seeing red over loanshark harassment cases.
And the Ang Mo Kio police division wants to wipe out the problem.
It has set up a special team to patrol the neighbourhood as well as arrest loansharks and their runners.
But police said they cannot work alone.
Hsu Sin Yun, commander, Ang Mo Kio Police Division, said: "We have also worked with grassroots and also the residents to enhance community engagement efforts. The community is also encouraged to form joint patrols, either among themselves - citizens on patrol programme - or with the police."
One challenge the police are facing is that syndicate leaders are often difficult to trace because their runners do not even know who they are working for.
Police said loanshark bosses are going high-tech, using electronic fund transfer for example to avoid being recognised.
Most runners resort to crime because of money they owe the syndicates.
And it seems illegal borrowing is set to increase during tough times.
Charles Lee, senior counsellor, Tanjong Pagar Family Service Centre, said: "There is the financial crisis and loss of jobs resulting in more people resorting to taking risky behaviours in gambling. In financial economic crisis like this, financial institutions may become more stringent in giving out loans."
The Tanjong Pagar Family Service Centre has seen a 50 per cent increase of people seeking help for loanshark harassment. - CNA/vm
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