THE war against loan sharks has intensified in the past few years.

In 2005, the law was changed to stiffen the jail terms and fines for loan sharks and those who harass debtors.

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Reflecting the toughened stance, 505 people were arrested for loan shark activities last year, an almost 30 per cent rise compared to 390 in 2007. The police have also installed cameras at harassment-prone sites and released photos of the suspected harassers to the media, further turning up the heat. Two young men, aged 19 and 22, were caught in this way in May.

Enforcement aside, the police are working with schools to prevent youth from being 'lured and recruited', said a police spokesman. Schools and parents should keep a close watch on the company teenagers keep, and remind them of the severity of loan shark offences, he added.

Criminal Investigation Department director Senior Assistant Commissioner Ng Boon Gay also warned youth not to join loan shark activities. 'Don't get involved in this. The punishment is severe and you can be caned. Don't think it's easy money,' he said at a recent press conference.

The stiffest possible punishment for those who harass is a $40,000 fine and three years' jail. They can also be caned.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.