Loan shark gangs are leaving rural communities in fear according to a local TD.
Sinn Fein's Justice spokesperson and Sligo Leitrim TD Martin Kenny is warning of the danger of illegal money lenders.
According to Deputy Kenny, there has been a sharp rise in what he calls unofficial reports of assaults and aggravated burglaries as a result of borrowing from a loan shark.
He's branded it as a campaign of terror, where locals are intimidated into keeping quiet for fear of retaliation.
Speaking to the Joe Finnegan show, Deputy Kenny says he understands how families are being driven to this choice as the cost of living is increasing.
However, the Sligo Leitrim TD is urging anyone considering taking an illegal loan such as this to engage with supports such as MABs or St Vincent De Paul:
The Sinn Fein Deputy has called on the Garda Commissioner to establish a specialised Garda operation to target loan shark gangs:
