Police arrested two women after a letting and estate agent in Plymouth suddenly shut up shop, allegedly leaving furious landlords and tenants out of pocket.
Trading Standards began probing Hot Homes UK in Plymouth, but passed part of its investigation to the police.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police and Trading Standards are carrying out a joint investigation.
“Police are investigating potential fraud and theft offences in respect of the company, which has ceased trading.
“Two women aged 39 years and 18 years, who were arrested on July 13, were released on bail until October 5, pending further investigations.”
Trading Standards at Plymouth City Council would not comment on whether they are conducting a parallel investigation into the activities of EPCWorx.com, which traded from the same address as Hot Homes and shared the same directors.
A spokeswoman said: “We would not normally confirm that we are investigating a company. If we consider that there are grounds for us to prosecute or take other action against a company, this is when the information would be released into the public domain.”
Hot Homes was run by members of the Burridge family, Jacqueline Burridge and her daughter Kayleigh. It is understood that the business may also have involved Mrs Burridge’s husband, Tony Burridge.
Hot Homes, meanwhile, appear to have sent an undated and unsigned letter to former customers saying that ‘due to unforeseen circumstances’ Hot Homes had been forced to close.
The letter says that it will endeavour to pay any outstanding amounts within eight weeks, and will forward any keys held for properties.
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