Police probe property firm

12:01pm Saturday 6th January 2007

A Hounslow property firm was investigated following accusations that its owners conned buyers out of tens of thousands of pounds.

Police and trading standards officers looked into Prime Property Services after 10 complaints were sent to Hounslow Council.

Several complaints related to "substantial" deposits taken for fake property and investment opportunities at Hounslow's Blenheim Centre.

Complaints have been received from across the globe about the company and Hounslow CID have investigating these claims.

The letting agent, which used to be based in Lampton Road, just off Hounslow High Street, has recently gone into liquidation and could not be contacted for a comment.

Those who lost money must now pursue the case through civil courts as the case is no long a criminal matter, DC Coutin of Hounslow CID said.

On its website, the company says: "Prime Property Services is based on experience lasting over 10 years and it is this experience that you benefit from directly every time you deal with us. So you can relax knowing your property is in safe hands."

The site adds: "We deal with properties from a wide range of local areas including Isleworth, Osterley, Hounslow, Heston, Cranford, Whitton and our extensive knowledge of these areas is second to none, enabling us to provide the most competitive prices and services around."

Ray Daniel, from Blenheim Norwest, developers of the Blenheim Centre, said: "We completely condemn this disgraceful behaviour and would like to stress it is nothing to do with either Blenheim Norwest or Barratt Homes.

"The only organisation selling new homes in phase One of the development is Barratt Homes or Dominion Housing and anyone interested in acquiring new properties can call Barratts on 020 8326 7100 or Dominion Housing on 020 8840 6262."

A council spokesman said: "Hounslow Council has received approximately 10 complaints in relation to Prime Property Services. The complaints have been referred by Hounslow Trading Standards to the Metropolitan Police, which is investigating."

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