A letting agency is claimed to be at the centre of a police probe.

The local newspaper has reported that Drake Homes, in Plymouth, is being investigated by police amid a string of claims being made by landlords and tenants who have had dealings with the company.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “Police have received complaints from a number of landlords in the Plymouth area concerning allegations of financial mismanagement at a property lettings company, also based in Plymouth.

“A full investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made.”

One landlord, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed he was “tens of thousands” of pounds out of pocket.

A second landlord said she was forced to break into her own property after Drake Homes closed without warning in September.

She said a student from Spain had attempted to move into one of her properties but had not been given keys.

“I had to get a locksmith to break in and change the locks,” she said, also asking not to be named.

“This was at the end of September. I have not been able to make any contact with Drake Homes since then.”

A statement, issued in an email to the paper by director Heather Crabb, said: “Due to continued ill health, we are informing you that the portfolio of Drake Homes is being transferred to a reputable agent who will look after your interests.

“We are in the process of completing your final accounts accordingly and the new agent, who is well established and very experienced, will be in touch in due course.”

A notice advertised in Drake Homes’ office window said that the office is closed, with the business being carried on from a private office elsewhere due to ill health. Last night, the website was showing nothing but an email address.

There are some damning reviews of Drake Homes on the allAgents website.

EYE has invited Crabb to comment, using the email address given on the website.

The newspaper report is here