What do Background Checks in the UK Include?
March 16, 2022 - Reading time: 7 minutes
As a leading detective agency based in the UK, our clients often ask us to complete background checks for them. Background checks are helpful in a wide range of different circumstances, such as:
- Pre-employment screening, to check the suitability of prospective employees
- Relationships background checks to check your partner’s history
- Checking your relative’s new partner
- Checking an ex-partner’s new partner to make sure they are safe to be around your children
What do background checks actually include?
Background checks come in a variety of different forms, in general however background checks may include any of the following:
- Verification of the subject’s personal details: Which may include their full name, home address, contact information, birth, death and marriage verification, national insurance number (if known) / passport details (if known) / driving license (where provided). Identity checks are used in order to verify that subjects are who they claim to be.
- Criminal history checks: Court cases / prosecutions / date / courts / judges / defendants / offences and indictments / sentences. Have they been convicted of a serious offence or featured in the media for criminal activity?
- Financial checks: Bankruptcy and insolvency searches / credit checks, CCJ check and judgements check. Is the subject insolvent? Is the subject in debt or financially well placed?
Enhanced background checks
Enhanced background checks include all information contained in standard background checks, plus the following:
- Social media check: Are you aware of the subject’s digital footprint and any social media profiles which may be linked to them?
- International sanctions check: Are they listed on any international law enforcement, banking or governmental watch lists?
- Business interests check: Does the subject hold directorship or have any involvement in any existing companies in the UK or elsewhere?
- Reputation checks: Does the subject hold negative publicity in news, media or Internet sources?
- Address history check: This check will procure an address history which notes all linked addresses and cohabitants
If you would like a free quote for a background check, then please get in touch with us and let us know which exact checks you would like us to perform.
Why do people run background checks?
Background checks can be used in a variety of different cases. Whatever the situation though, background checks are used in order to verify the facts and ultimately to protect the interests of our clients. In today’s day and age, we believe you cannot be too careful when allowing a stranger into your family or business. Background checks can provide an excellent means to check people before allowing them to become involved in your affairs.
Background checks can provide warning signs that perhaps all is not as it should be. On the other hand, if everything checks out then they can provide you with excellent reassurance and peace of mind.
Employment background screening
Candidate screening is being used by an increasing number of employers to avoid hiring the wrong people.
When done properly, candidate screening can help to lower your exposure to risk of employee fraud or theft, and to guard against negative publicity which may also prove detrimental to the operation and success of your business.
Conducting adequate background checks prior to hiring makes sense for many of our clients, especially if the candidate is to be placed in a position of power or trust.
Employers will typically look to run identity and criminal history checks; which are often complimented by social media and reputation checks.
Personal background screening
In today’s world, personal background screening can be used to provide warnings when nefarious individuals are potentially entering the lives of ourselves or of loved ones. Background checks can be used to safeguard those we care about and to provide the peace of mind and comfort that come from clear results.
While personal background checks can include premarital (or prenuptial checks), they are often used to check on the new partners of relatives; we can help to check your daughter’s new partner for example, or the new partner of your sister, brother, parent, or any other relation.
The motivation to run a background check is usually clear for our clients, and we endeavour to provide accurate and timely results every time.
Whether you are looking to safeguard yourself, your family, or business: If you have a suspicious feeling about a person, or even if you don’t, then we suggest there is something to be said for trusting your gut instincts and performing a background check. Background checks typically form a key element when performing due diligence in both a business and personal context.
Why you should choose PrivateInvestigators-UK for background checks
At PrivateInvestigators-UK, we aim to provide our clients with the best experience possible through person to person contact during all cases. We will endeavour to understand your requirements and provide the best and most cost-effective solution possible.
Please check our homepage for more information about us or feel free to get in touch with one of our experienced team members for more information or a free quote.
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Why Private Investigators use Drones in the UK
March 6, 2022 - Reading time: 7 minutes
As private investigators, we always try to keep an eye out for any new and up-and-coming technology which might assist us during investigations. Whether it’s covert cameras, advancements to GPS tracking technology, or any other gadget, private investigators rely on technology to secure the best possible results in every case.
It should come as no surprise that drones have been used by private investigators in the UK since the technology first started to hit the market.
Drones can be used by private investigators in a wide variety of different circumstances/cases, and are regularly used by private investigators across the UK.
Why private investigators use drones
1. During surveillance cases
Drones can be used to supplement traditional reconnaissance tactics during surveillance cases; however, they are not capable of replacing private investigators altogether. Most of the time when it comes to securing ‘the money shot’ and taking photos which clearly identify the subject of the investigation, you can’t beat an experienced investigator on the ground with suitable camera gear.
When used during surveillance cases, drones can help to survey an area, and to explore areas which would not otherwise be accessible to an investigator on the ground due to perimeter fencing or difficult terrain, for example.
2. Search and rescue operations
While perhaps not one of the more stereotypical reasons that you might think to hire a private investigator, when people go missing PIs are often asked to help find them; this includes search and rescue cases.
Drones come into their element in cases where large areas of land need to be searched. Particularly if a person is thought to be injured or incapacitated, finding them as quickly as possible may prove to be key to their survival. Drones are perfect in such cases and are not typically slowed by terrain which might be difficult to access on foot.
3. Scene inspections
Another area where private investigators use drones is during scene inspections for insurance investigations. Whether the case concerns a road traffic collision, natural disaster or damage caused by fire, obtaining an aerial view over a scene can often help to bring the elements into perspective and paint a clearer picture in so doing.
4. To gather evidence of trespassing
Trespassing can be a nuisance for many land owners, especially when it is accompanied with other hostile acts such as petty crime or vandalism. In such cases we can use drones to gather clear evidence of trespassing or anti social behaviour, and clearly demonstrate that a subject was accessing our client’s land without their consent.
5. For safety and security
Where drones are used during surveillance, our goal is to be discreet and for the subject not to notice the drone hovering above them. During close protection or counter surveillance cases however, drones can be used to gather evidence overtly. Overt use of a drone would mean deliberately allowing the subject to see that they are being observed by the device.
If a person knows that they are doing something they shouldn’t, a drone hovering ominously in front of them can act as a great visual deterrent.
Monitoring the perimeter of guarded areas can also be aided by drones.
6. To catch fly tippers
Many land owners in the UK are left to deal with the mess left behind by fly tippers. Fly tipping creates a nuisance and often enormous clean up bills for land owners.
Fly tipped rubbish has been known to contain building waste, contaminated waste, broken glass, asbestos, used syringes, toxic chemicals and other hazardous substances.
If a piece of land is subject to ongoing fly tipping then a detective agency may be called in to monitor the area through the use of surveillance and/or covert monitoring devices.
Catching fly tippers in rural areas is often challenging, and drones can sometimes be used to catch fly tippers during these investigations.
7. Gathering evidence of theft
If you suspect that someone might be stealing from you, then an experienced private investigator may be able to gather evidence using a drone. In certain situations and especially in rural areas; a drone may be able to gather images which might be impossible to obtain using conventional surveillance techniques.
Disadvantages to using drones
While we could write an entire article about the advantages of using drones during private investigations, it’s important to be aware of their limitations and potential drawbacks in some cases.
Noise created by drones
When it comes to using a drone discreetly, noise should be an important consideration. Often drones can be heard before they are seen; a competent drone pilot will need to understand how much distance they should keep from the subject in order to remain discreet and unheard.
As technology gradually gets better and better, the noise generated by drones has gradually decreased, and quality images can be gathered from a further distance thanks to the use of higher resolution cameras.
Battery life
While some drones can fly for up to 50 minutes, most can only remain airborne for 10 – 30 minutes before needing to be recharged. As such, limitations caused by battery life are a main drawback to using drones during private investigations.
Some drones have removable batteries, in which case they can return to work after having their empty batteries replaced with charged ones. Otherwise the device will need to be recharged before it can continue to be used.
Are private investigators allowed to use drones in the UK?
Yes, absolutely. As private investigators use drones for commercial purposes, they are required to obtain Permission for Commercial Operation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Not only have all our drone operators received permission from the Civil Aviation Authority, we also boast extensive experience of using drones during private investigations across the UK.
Our drone operators have gradually honed their skills through hundreds or thousands of flight hours experience in both training and infield investigations. We believe experience is crucial and is always evidenced in our end results.
Hire a private investigator to use a drone
If you require a private investigator to capture footage or images for you using a drone, then please feel free to get in touch with one of our experienced team members for a free consultation or visit our homepage to learn more about us.
In order to provide you with a quote we will need all of the relevant details, not in least the post code where you require our assistance. Please include this information when contacting us. We provide free, no obligation quotes for all work.
GPS tracker FAQ: Is it legal to fit GPS trackers in the UK?
February 7, 2022 - Reading time: 12 minutes
As a leading detective agency based in the UK, we use GPS tracking devices on a daily basis. Trackers are small, discreet, and can be fitted to most vehicles with ease.
It usually takes a matter of seconds to conceal a tracker onto a vehicle. Whether the tracker is placed in the front/rear bumper or underneath the vehicle, once secured in place we are able to track its exact position 24 hours per day. We can learn exactly where the vehicle is being driven, how fast it is driven, where it is parked and how long it is parked for.
It’s easy to understand how trackers could be useful to private investigators, but is it legal to use tracking devices in the UK? When can they be used? We will endeavour to answer these questions in this article.
Before we get started however, it is worth mentioning that this article touches on complicated legal matters, and if you feel that you could benefit from legal advice then we would recommend speaking to a qualified solicitor. The contents of this article certainly does not constitute legal advice.
Is it legal to fit a GPS tracker on a car in the UK?
It is not illegal to fit trackers to cars in the UK, however, much depends on the circumstances and your intentions. We have described some of the more common scenarios where trackers might be used below.
Example 1: David is concerned that his wife might be cheating on him. He is worried that she might be seeing someone else during the evenings or while making the school run. David asks a private investigator to install a tracking device to his wife’s vehicle in order to see if she is being unfaithful to him. – In this case our client has a relationship with the subject and a justifiable reason to use a tracker.
Example 2: Martin is obsessed with a female from his workplace. She has made it clear to him that she is not interested in pursuing a relationship with him, however Martin doesn’t acknowledge this. Martin would like to fit a tracker to her vehicle so that he can stalk her and find out where she lives. – In this case the tracker is being used with malice, and its use may be considered to be illegal as it forms part of a campaign of stalking/harassment.
As you can tell, much depends on the circumstances in each case, and often how the law is interpreted. In general, the following rules must always be observed when it comes to using GPS tracking devices in the UK:
- There should not be any legal reason that prevents you from contacting the vehicle’s owner, or any potential drivers/passengers of the vehicle
- Force should not be used in order to access the vehicle
- The vehicle should not be damaged in any way as the result of a tracker’s installation or removal
- Data gathered by trackers must be stored and used responsibly, and in accordance with the relevant legislation
- Always use a professional investigator to lead your investigation and install the tracking device for you
Related article: What powers do UK private investigators have?
Is it legal to buy a GPS tracker in the UK?
Yes, tracking devices are perfectly legal to buy, sell, and own in the UK. It is when you use the tracker to monitor other people without their consent that the legality of your activities may come into question.
Can private investigators fit trackers in the UK?
Yes, private investigators fit tracking devices to vehicles across the UK on a daily basis.
What a private investigator may not do is ‘trespass onto private land’ in order to fit a tracker onto a vehicle.
Trespassing occurs when a person enters another’s property without their permission or consent. However, if a driveway is open and accessible to any member of the public, then it would be difficult to describe accessing the land as trespass.
In a 2007 report which has since been widely cited by private investigators, the OSC’s Chief Surveillance Commissioner, Sir Christopher Rose, stated that “putting an arm into a wheel arch or under the frame of a vehicle is straining the concept of trespass” [source].
In general, vehicles which are parked on public land, or on publicly accessible land, are considered to be ‘fair game’ for private investigators.
How accurate are GPS trackers?
GPS trackers are usually accurate within a range of around 5 meters. Whilst trackers are generally quite accurate, there are variables which can affect the accuracy of GPS devices... Obstacles such as trees and tall buildings, for example, may prevent signals from GPS satellites from reaching the tracker, which can affect accuracy in some cases.
How reliable are GPS trackers?
GPS trackers can be purchased for just a few pounds, going up to one thousand pounds or even more for professional grade equipment. As with most gadgets, you are likely to receive a higher quality product depending on how much money you decide to spend. Cheaper devices are more likely to stop working during an investigation or to break – which is why we do not use them or recommend them.
How much do you charge to fit GPS trackers?
Private investigators typically charge a fee for both installation and removal of trackers. If a tracker is being used for a prolonged period and the battery starts to run low, then you may decide for an investigator to remove the tracker and install another battery (or recharge the battery), and then reinstall it.
Fees for these services can vary from case to case and depending on the location of the assignment. Please get in touch with us for a free quote, remember to include your post code and any relevant details - we will do our best to understand your requirements and provide a no obligation quote.
Can you install a GPS tracker for me without providing a surveillance team?
The short answer is yes. We typically install trackers as part of our surveillance service, so that we can understand the subject's behaviour and conduct surveillance at times/locations that we are most likely to gather the best evidence in the form of photos/video.
If our client does not wish for us to conduct surveillance however, then we can just provide the service of GPS tracker installation/removal instead.
How can I find a tracker on my car?
In order to find a tracker attached to your vehicle you will need to crawl underneath it and carefully look for any suspicious devices.
Trackers are usually equipped with strong magnets and attach to metal components underneath the vehicle, such as the frame or to a bash plate. Certain models of vehicle have unique ‘hiding spots’ where a tracker can be easily hidden. The best place to hide a tracker will depend on which vehicle it is being installed on.
Can you find a tracker hidden on my car?
Yes, in some cases we can help to locate trackers which have been fitted to our clients’ vehicles.
How long do GPS tracker batteries last?
In general tracker batteries can last for around 1-2 weeks, however there are many variables involved such as how often the tracker updates its location, the size of the tracker itself (and therefore its battery capacity). If the weather is particularly cold for example, then this may also reduce the amount of time before the tracker needs to be removed and recharged.
How do GPS trackers work?
GPS stands for ‘Global Positioning System’. The technology relies on 30+ active satellites which are constantly orbiting the earth. Trackers use data from these satellites (usually at least four or more satellites at a time) in order to determine their current location, effectively using the same technology as the GPS satellite navigation in your car.
Once the tracker has determined its current position (and speed, if it is moving), it will upload that data to the cloud using a mobile network.
Once the tracker’s location data has been uploaded to the cloud, users with the correct username/password will be able to login to the control panel and access data such as the tracker’s current position and any other locations it has recently visited, as well as the date/time that the tracker visited those location.
As private investigators, we can look at data which is collected by GPS trackers in order to determine patterns of behaviour and plan surveillance accordingly.
How are GPS trackers positioned on vehicles?
If you are tasked with installing a GPS tracker on a vehicle, then you must first have at least a basic understanding of how the technology works.
Trackers rely on receiving data from satellites… If a tracker is placed underneath a car for example, then the signal being transmitted to it will likely be blocked by the metal body of the car.
In order to receive data, the signal which is received by trackers will effectively bounce off the ground and make its way underneath the vehicle where the tracker is located. As such, the tracker’s antennae should always be pointing down towards the ground.
If a tracker is equipped with magnets, then you can assume that the antennae will be pointing in the opposite direction towards the ground. It’s important to ensure that the tracker is always positioned correctly and not upside down. If the tracker’s antenna is positioned badly then it may struggle to send or receive data.
PI-UK tracker deployment service
Please see the Private Investigators UK homepage for more information about us, or feel free to get in touch with us in order to request a quote for GPS tracker installation - please remember to include the exact location of the case (post code) and any details relevant to your case.
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6 Signs That You Are Being Stalked
January 31, 2022 - Reading time: 11 minutes
Whatever the situation or circumstances, stalking is a behaviour which should always act as a cause for serious concern. Whether you are being stalked by a former partner, friend, or someone that is not directly known to you, the fear and anxiety which can result from being stalked is often significant and long lasting for many victims.
Furthermore, stalking can be linked to many serious crimes such as assault, robbery; even acts of terrorism in some cases. If you feel that someone could be stalking you then we would recommend taking steps to document and safeguard yourself from any hostile acts.
As a leading detective agency based in the UK, we are often instructed to investigate cases which involve stalking. We have put together the following list of 6 signs that someone might be stalking you:
1. Lurking and loitering
When it comes to cases which involve stalking, there is often something to be said for trusting your gut instincts. If you notice the same vehicle or person loitering in the same area or generally lurking around, and especially if they reappear throughout your day or week, then you would be wise to question their motives. Ask yourself: Are they loitering in one specific area for any significant period of time? Is there any logical reason for their behaviour?
2. Cyber stalking
Cyber stalking can take place on social media sites, messaging apps, dating sites/apps, forums, e-mail, and generally anywhere on the internet. The intent behind cyber stalking can be to annoy or harass the victim, which can often cause considerable stress and anxiety.
In other cases which involve cyber stalking the perpetrator may seek to gather personal information from a victim’s social media profiles, such as their address ("dox"), their workplace, their vehicle(s), locations they regularly visit, and similar data, which can be used to further a campaign of harassment.
Many of us are active on social media platforms, with some of us deciding to regularly share updates including our current whereabouts through social media. Many do not fully appreciate the amount of information that we are deciding to make public through social media.
A comprehensive analysis of a subject’s social media profiles and digital footprint can usually giveaway information about their employment, friend group, recreational activities, routines, vehicles, and more.
Smart devices (such as smartwatches) can be used to track routes travelled during your morning run or cycle – many of us would not think twice before deciding to publish this information onto social media. To a stalker or to someone with malicious intent, having access to the exact route taken, and the time you made this journey, could prove to be very useful.
Many cases of stalking, or indeed hostile reconnaissance, involve an element of cyber stalking. We recommend a common-sense approach; you would be wise to carefully consider what information you choose to divulge through social media and the internet in general.
If you are concerned that someone might be stalking you, then it might be a good idea to ‘lockdown’ your social media profiles, and be wary of who you decide to accept friend or follow requests from.
3. Coincidental meets
Are you often bumping into the same person at different locations? Let’s say you run into them at a supermarket, then at the gym, then later at a café, all within the space of three days… What is the likelihood that you would both decide to visit these locations at the same time on each day? Of course, this could be purely innocent and coincidental, however it could act as a sign that they have a knowledge of your routine and are deliberately visiting locations that they know you will be at.
Consider adjusting your routine and visiting regular haunts at irregular times – are you still seeing the same person at those locations? If so, this could act as a cause for concern.
4. Malicious phone calls
Are you often receiving phone calls from ‘unknown’ or private callers? How about callers which hang-up after you have said “Hello”? Has your number been used somewhere without your consent or knowledge? Are you receiving telesales calls more often than usual?
All of the above could act as a sign that someone is potentially making malicious phone calls to you. Malicious phone calls are an intimidating behaviour often seen by us in cases which involve stalking.
An obvious solution would be to change your phone number – this can be done by contacting your service provider. You might also find apps are helpful for blocking unwanted calls to your mobile, hardware devices are available for blocking calls to landline phones.
If you are receiving malicious phone calls then we would recommend making recordings and keeping a log which could be used as evidence.
5. The same car follows you for prolonged time
Do you ever notice the same car in your rear-view mirror for a prolonged period of time? If a vehicle is travelling behind you for a significant distance and seems to be taking the same route as yourself, then you would be wise to question their intentions at some point.
If you take three left or three right turns in a row, effectively driving in a circle, and the vehicle in your rear-view mirror is still there, then you can be confident that it is probably following you.
Some may choose to drive erratically instead or take abrupt turns without indicating, for example. If you believe that someone could be following you then we would recommend that you remain calm and drive safely. If you feel that you may be in danger then you could either contact the authorities by making a phone call using your car’s handsfree system, or drive to the nearest police station.
Doubling back on yourself is another tactic which can be used to see if the vehicle behind is following you. However, you may find it advantageous to ‘play dumb’ and not make it known that you are aware a car is following you... If your adversary knows that their cover was blown then they will be more likely to use tactics such as changing their vehicle or using tracking devices.
If you believe that you are being followed, then it would be a good idea to check your vehicle for tracking devices.
6. There is a tracking device fitted to your car
If an assailant is willing to follow your vehicle or to stalk you, then you should be mindful of them taking the step of fitting a tracker to your vehicle.
Tracking devices are very small and are easily concealed underneath cars, in one of the bumpers, or inside the trim. Trackers are small enough that they can even be concealed on motorcycles or even bicycles in some cases.
As private investigators, we often use GPS tracking devices and understand their capabilities. If a tracking device is installed on your vehicle, then it can be used to track the exact location of your car 24 hours a day.
Trackers are small, easy to conceal, and can be installed within a matter of seconds. As the price of these devices has decreased, they are now more readily available than ever. There have been numerous documented cases where stalkers have used tracking devices to keep tabs on their victims.
Keeping your vehicle securely locked behind gates or in a garage as much as possible can help to prevent trackers being fitted to it; for many people securing their vehicles in this way will not be possible, and crawling underneath your car on a regular basis to look for trackers is not a practical solution either.
If you suspect that someone might have fitted a tracker to your vehicle then one way to detect this would be to purchase a ‘bug detector’. If a tracker is fitted to your car, then a bug detector should detect the RF signals omitted by the tracker, and alert you that a tracker is present on your vehicle. We can also help to check your vehicle for tracking devices.
Do private investigators stalk people?
Private investigators typically vet their clients and try to understand exactly why each client has decided to hire them. If someone approaches a detective agency with malicious intent towards the subject of the investigation, then the detective should refuse their case.
With that being said, it is possible for a stalker to slip through the net and hire a private detective to help surveil their victim. If a private investigator is following you rather than a stalker, then you may find it harder to notice that you are being monitored – if the investigator is good at his/her job then they should remain undetected, meaning that you don’t notice them.
If you suspect that a private investigator could be following you, then we suggest reading our article How to tell if a private investigator is following you.
Can a private investigator help me if I am being stalked?
Yes, absolutely. If you feel that someone might be following you around (such as a stalker or a private investigator), then we can help to provide counter surveillance.
The goal of counter surveillance is typically to detect any surveillance or reconnaissance activity taking place and to identify those responsible. Once we have established that you are being stalked or subjected to surveillance, then we can help to gather evidence in the form of photos/video.
In cases where we discover that our client is being subjected to surveillance, we would typically provide advice on how to best frustrate any surveillance efforts, whilst simultaneously making those surveillance efforts as expensive as possible.
Please visit the PrivateInvestigators-UK homepage for more information about us and the services that we offer.
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