Two women who were jailed for running a fraudulent property lettings agency in Truro returned to court recently in an action brought by Cornwall Council Trading Standards under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

In April 2019, Elizabeth Ann Treneer, then 38, of Chapel Meadows, Perranwell Station, admitted running a fraudulent business designed to deprive its victims of rental and deposit payments.

She also admitted having tried to undermine the criminal investigation by manufacturing false documents.

Her mother, Angela Colleen Treneer, then 72, of Cogos Park, Mylor Bridge, admitted abusing her position of trust by failing to ensure that deposit and rental payments were properly safeguarded and passed onto customers.

Elizabeth Ann Treneer was sentenced to 40 months in prison. Her mother, Angela Colleen Treneer, was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Ben Adams, Trading Standards Officer who led the investigation, said:

"This has been a very long and complicated investigation and even the Proceeds of Crime process has taken almost two years to complete.

"Many of the victims involved were vulnerable, either because of their age, their financial position or because they were working far from Cornwall and these two women took full advantage of that.

"So it is pleasing to finally see all aspects of the case concluded and for all of the victims compensated for their losses."

Truro Crown Court heard evidence that between them, the mother and daughter had benefitted from their criminal behaviour to the value of £605,573.

However, all that was left of their recoverable assets was now £150,012 and the court ordered that this amount be paid back as compensation to 30 of the fraud victims.

It further ordered that the money be paid back within three months or the two women would face another 18 months in prison.

Cllr Rob Nolan, Cornwall Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment and Public Protection, praised the efforts of the Trading Standards team.

He added:

"The prison sentences imposed and now the significant compensation order awarded must clearly serve as a warning to anyone else who may contemplate exploiting Cornwall's residents."

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