February 9, 2021 - Reading time: 11 minutes
Updated on: July 23, 2025

This article has been written by PrivateInvestigators-UK, and relates to cars used by private investigators in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and NI). If you are not based in the UK, then the answer to this question will of course depend on your local environment. 

Private investigators should drive cars which are suited to the type of environment they are working in. A late model or high-end vehicle will match its environment best in an affluent area, for example. Whereas in rural areas a muddy land rover might be less conspicuous, in urban areas surveillance agents tend to choose vehicles which are comfortable for working long hours, but that are also as discreet as possible.

Of course, the answer to this question also depends on whether the surveillance will be static (watching a property and photographing anyone coming and going), or mobile surveillance where the agent is seeking to follow the subject and find out where they are going.

What types of vehicle are used by private investigators?

Small car-derived vans are popular in the UK which make them a good choice as surveillance vehicles – without having any seats in the rear of the vehicle there is space for an agent to setup camera equipment and go about his or her work. Transit vans of all sizes are also very common on British roads and are often used by private investigators; they can provide a lot of space to setup equipment and make a comfortable space for a detective to work. Estate cars are also popular with surveillance agents, especially if the seats can be removed or folded flat so that the rear of the vehicle can accommodate a camera and tripod setup.

However, private detectives can use almost any type of vehicle that is properly setup for surveillance. SUVs or crossovers are also popular, we have also seen many examples where small and compact cars were used for surveillance. Cars which have easily removed seats and tinted windows can be used effectively in many cases.   

We cannot condemn any specific type of surveillance vehicle, as we have seen countless ingenious setups and uses of virtually every type of vehicle for surveillance that you can imagine… All it takes is some thought and creativity as to how the specific vehicle can be best used in each individual case.

Vehicle signage used by private investigators

In the case that a detective is using a car-derived van or a transit van for surveillance, they may choose to add fake business signage to their vehicle to make it seem less conspicuous. If you choose to take this path then we would recommend purchasing magnetic signs, so that your signage can easily be removed or changed depending on the location of the assignment.

The key with using dummy signage is to match the environment where the vehicle is being used. For example, there is no reason for a TV aerial company to be parked at the bottom of a dirt track or in a field for days on end… Dummy signage can actually make your vehicle more conspicuous if done badly.

The key is to purchase professional signs which match your type of vehicle (make/model/year), and to match your environment. For example, if construction is taking place within a certain area, then it would not seem suspicious for a builder’s van to be parked in the area for many days or even weeks. 

If a van is being used by a construction company, for example, then you would expect to find dirty high-vis jackets, hard hats, and muddy work boots in the cab of the truck.  

Keeping your surveillance vehicle low-key   

Whether you are using a car, van, or truck, it would be wise to choose a common, nondistinctive vehicle. Cars which are silver or white in colour are favoured by many detectives. If you have a bright pink car or a vehicle wrapped in metallic gold then you really ought to consider purchasing a different vehicle, or getting the one that you have repainted.

Customising your vehicle with chrome accessories, a body kit, loud exhaust, private number plate, or indeed anything which will make it stand out would be a definite no-no for cars which are being used during surveillance cases. The goal is to make your vehicle as benign and ordinary as possible – modifying a vehicle in ways which make it stand out is not a good idea.

Renting vehicles for private investigation

In the event that a case requires the use of many different vehicles, it is not uncommon for private investigators to rent vehicles, particularly if they are working for a small firm and do not have the resources to maintain a fleet of different vehicles which can be used for surveillance. Whether the cost of renting a vehicle would be included as part of the investigation or billed separately would be a matter for the detective agency; though suffice it to say that any additional charges will need to be explained and made clear to the clients in each case.

Using window tint for private investigations

Vehicles which are being used by private investigators to conduct surveillance are very often fitted with dark window tint (usually 5% “limo tint”). Window film can be fitted professionally or at home with relative ease. UK law prevents dark window film from being applied to the front windscreen of a vehicle and the driver and passenger side windows. Rear windows in your car can be tinted to any level or even covered with curtains.

Particularly if a rented vehicle is being used for surveillance, then static cling window film can be used temporarily, which can be applied to the window and then removed and reused as necessary.

Window tint does have limitations and it’s important to understand them when using a vehicle for surveillance. If the amount of light outside your vehicle is greater than the amount of light inside, then the effect of the film will be reversed. A camera or laptop screen will be visible through dark window film at night, for example, and could easily blow your cover during surveillance. Blackout curtains would typically be used to help solve this problem at night.

Window film can be difficult to see out of at night, depending on the amount of ambient light in the area outside your vehicle. Ceramic window film, while costing slightly more, generally provides better night-time visibility and greater heat reflectivity than standard window films.

The essentials for any surveillance vehicle

Surveillance vehicles can be setup with very little effort; or with a huge amount of effort with external cameras placed around the vehicle and a battery system able to power them. At the very least surveillance vehicles should have a tripod for stabilising any camera equipment that is being used and any provisions the agent will need during the course of the assignment.

There is no single correct method when it comes to setting up a vehicle for use in surveillance during private investigations. How a vehicle is setup, and the tactics that are used, will typically vary depending on the circumstances in each case and the aims of our client.

Power inside your surveillance vehicle

Using a vehicle for surveillance will always consume some form of power, whether that is a simple DSLR or video camera, a computer, or a more elaborate setup with multiple different cameras. In summertime it is often necessary to keep cool by running fans. Solar panel and battery setups are popular for people that are using commercial vehicles (such as transit vans), on smaller vehicles however solar panels mounted on the roof may create unwanted attention.

Idling a diesel or petrol engine for any length of time during surveillance would be off-limits during the vast majority of investigations. Rechargeable battery packs can be used in some cases where solar is not viable; as technology continues to evolve, there are many battery packs on the market which are capable of powering equipment for the length of an assignment.

Many electric and hybrid electric vehicles are able to supply power to your electronics without needing to run a noisy petrol or diesel motor. Electric vehicles can also allow you to run your air conditioner, which would make a huge difference to comfort levels on particularly cold or hot days. We are seeing more investigators choose electric or hybrid vehicles, partially for their usefulness to power camera gear and other electronics.

Dash cams for private investigators

Dash cams are becoming more essential for motorists in general, as well as private investigators. Their main benefit is the ability for video to be captured hands-free while the agent drives their vehicle; dash cams are generally not relied on to capture evidence, though they can come in handy from time to time.

We would recommend purchasing a good quality dash cam, which preferably records in 4K or at least 1080p. While some people power their dash cams using their car cigarette lighters, they can also be professionally wired into the vehicle’s fuse box, which can allow the dash cam to record 24 hours per day, even when the vehicle ignition is switched off.

We also highly recommend installing a rear facing camera externally on your vehicle so that video is captured from the rear. Camera setups with 4+ cameras are becoming more common as technology improves and becomes cheaper. If your vehicle is being used for surveillance then choosing a dash cam which is discreet and cannot be easily noticed from outside the vehicle would be a good idea.

As with all equipment and gadgets, we believe that you get what you pay for with dash cams, and that spending money for a higher quality device is almost always a wise decision.

PrivateInvestigators-UK

If you enjoyed this blog post, then check out our other related articles:

• What clothes do private investigators wear?
• Window tint for private investigators
• How to become a private investigator in the UK
• Top 20 surveillance tips for private investigators

January 25, 2021 - Reading time: 13 minutes
Updated on: October 1, 2025

As a leading UK private detective agency, we see a lot of confusion about what modern private investigators actually do and how to become a private investigator in the UK. TV is fun, but a real UK private investigator job is different. Many people will never need a PI, so the role isn’t as familiar as other professions. It’s a niche field and the work spans a wide range of skills.

At PrivateInvestigators-UK, we cover services for private clients and companies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The qualities and experience we look for depend on the specific service. Each job goes to an agent with the right skill set. If you’re serious about a UK PI career, start by understanding the day-to-day work and then build training that matches it.

What type of people become private investigators?

Forget the trench coat cliché. A competent UK detective agency should reflect the population. We work with agents from different backgrounds, ages, genders and nationalities. That range helps us blend in, act lawfully and get results.

Types of work completed by private investigators

The industry is broad. Some agencies mainly help private clients, for example checking suspected infidelity or verifying claims. Others focus on litigation support for solicitors. Many firms serve corporate clients with due diligence, internal investigations and fraud risk work.

Inside those niches are dozens of specialist roles: process serving, document review, TSCM/bug sweeps, covert surveillance, tracing people, insurance investigations, cohabitation checks, witness interviews, desktop research/OSINT, and more. The experience you need depends on the task. If you want a UK PI career, pick a speciality, then build qualifications and experience that make you a strong hire.

Surveillance is still the bread and butter for many detective agencies. It means watching a person or place, following discreetly and collecting photos or video as evidence. Surveillance supports infidelity cases, injury and insurance claims, employee misconduct and corporate due diligence. If you want to work surveillance in the UK, expect early starts, late finishes and a lot of driving.

Qualities that we look for in private investigators

Many of our agents previously served in law enforcement or the military and we value that training. Plenty of excellent private investigators come from civilian careers and have built “career PI” skill sets over time. Both routes can work.

You’ll need more than field craft. A surveillance agent might be a strong photographer, but they also need to edit and organise media, compress files and write a clear report. Basic to moderate video editing helps. Strong written English matters. Reports must be grammatically correct, well punctuated and easy to read while still detailed. Sloppy spelling or poor formatting sets the wrong tone. Proofread your work, use paragraphs and make it readable on a phone.

Good communication is vital when explaining results to a client or briefing a colleague. We look for intelligent, motivated people. Extra skills are a bonus: advanced driving, languages, OSINT and data analysis, fraud investigation, process serving, consumer law knowledge or technical skills for TSCM bug sweep work.

Are you interested in running a private investigation company in the UK?

The website you are on right now is currently for sale. You can buy it outright and own a fully established UK private investigation site that is already generating enquiries, or we may be open to a joint venture if you can bring capital. This is a rare chance to step straight into the industry with a serious platform, rather than starting from scratch.

View Business Sale Details

Legal and ethical basics (UK)

Do I need a degree to work as a private investigator in the UK?

No. There’s no legal requirement for a degree to work as a private investigator in the UK. Some firms like relevant degrees, but experience often outweighs classroom learning. Besides sensible training, most useful skills are learned on real jobs and improved over years.

Get qualified as a UK private investigator

There’s a lot of choice. ISS Training and Titan Investigations are often recommended for practical courses. You might also look at UKPIN for a diploma covering investigative skills. You’ll find many online “investigation” courses. Some are useful, some less so. Before spending money, ask working PIs which training actually helped them. Cheap online certificates tend not to impress established agencies, but showing continuous learning does help your CV.

Plenty of people who search for how to become a private investigator in the UK also ask about things like PI training courses, private investigator salary UK, or whether there are entry-level surveillance jobs. These are all natural steps on the path into the industry, and the answers depend on your experience, training, and where you’re based.

Past investigative experience

Experience is everything. Many detectives come from policing or military, which gives a solid base in surveillance and evidence handling. If you’re new, stack practical experience however you can: assisting on operations, shadowing, editing reports, doing desktop research or taking on limited tasks inside a larger case. Many trade associations require a minimum experience level for membership.

Without experience, a strong list of recognised courses can help you get your foot in the door and show that you take the work seriously.

Tools of the trade

• Reliable vehicle and clean presentation – blend in, don’t stand out.
• Cameras with fast low-light autofocus, discreet audio recorders where lawful, and power banks.
• Mapping, route planning and note-taking that timestamps events for reports.
• Basic video and image editing software to package evidence clearly.
• Desktop research/OSINT tooling for open-source checks, companies and assets.

Getting employed as a private investigator in the UK

PrivateInvestigators-UK is a large UK agency. We cover England, Wales, Scotland, NI, ROI, Europe and beyond. We’re always looking for new talent across the UK, from surveillance to OSINT, process serving, due diligence, TSCM and more. If you’re interested in working with us, read our careers page and get in touch with your CV, location and availability.

Frequently asked questions (UK PI career)

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January 9, 2021 - Reading time: 4 minutes
Updated on: August 8, 2025

If unauthorised travellers have moved onto your private land, it can be a stressful and urgent situation. Many landowners aren’t sure what steps they can legally take or how quickly action can happen. At PrivateInvestigators-UK, we provide a fast, discreet and legal service to remove travellers from land across the UK. Our enforcement team can serve legal notice and help restore access to your land-quickly and lawfully.

Can I Legally Remove Travellers from My Land?

Yes. UK law does allow landowners to evict travellers from private land, but it must be done using the correct process. Acting unlawfully-even with good intentions-can lead to legal consequences for the landowner.

In most cases, the process begins by serving an official notice. If the travellers do not leave within the given time, further legal or enforcement action can be taken under Section 61 or Section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

What We Can Do to Help

We provide a complete traveller removal service for landowners, solicitors, and site managers. Our services include:

• Serving legal notice to unauthorised occupants (e.g. Section 77)
• 24-hour response in most UK regions
• On-site support and enforcement where required
• Advice on legal compliance throughout the process
• Post-eviction guidance to help you secure your land

What Not to Do

We strongly recommend that you do not attempt to remove travellers yourself. You should avoid:

• Confronting or threatening individuals on your land
• Attempting to tow, block or damage vehicles
• Creating traps or barricades that could cause harm

Taking matters into your own hands may escalate the situation and lead to criminal or civil claims against you. Our team will handle the process legally and efficiently on your behalf.

Serving Legal Notice

Our team can quickly serve a formal notice to trespassers, giving them a specific time to leave the land. If they fail to comply, we can escalate the matter appropriately, involving enforcement officers and, if necessary, working alongside local authorities or police.

We aim to begin the process within 24 hours in most cases.

Preventing Future Encampments

After travellers have been removed, we offer advice on improving land security to reduce the risk of repeat incidents. This may include:

• Installing concrete barriers, gates or bollards
• Using padlocks, security chains and hinge protectors
• Deploying CCTV and warning signage
• Making the entrance less visible or accessible from public roads

While no solution is foolproof, these measures can make your land a less attractive target.

Get Help Now

If you have travellers occupying your land, don’t delay. We can often serve notice within hours and guide you through every step of the removal process.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll assess your situation and explain your legal options without pressure or obligation.

Visit our homepage: PrivateInvestigators-UK.com

December 28, 2020 - Reading time: 14 minutes
Updated on: August 8, 2025

There is nothing worse than suspecting your partner of committing infidelity. Some people will bury their heads in the sand and ignore the warning signs, consciously or subconsciously, to try to convince themselves that it isn’t happening. For other people suspecting that their partner is cheating on them can be very stressful and unnerving. 

The simple fact is that cheaters can become exceptionally good liars and mask their wrongdoings to perfection, if an affair is taking place over many months or years, this can provide your partner with time to hone their lies and make themselves seem extremely believable. Catching cheating partners can prove very difficult, especially if they are making a conscious decision to hide their tracks. 

The sad fact is that many people who are being cheated on will never discover their partner’s true activities. However, there are some warning signals that you can look for which might indicate your partner is cheating on you, and we have put together a list of 10 red flags that your partner might be cheating on you…

1.     They tell you that their “need their own space”

Many people that have been cheated on told us that their partner said that they needed more space around the time that infidelity started or was ongoing. This has been described as a tell-tale sign that your partner is showing less interest in you and making emotional space for a new person in their life. If your partner believes that they are “taking a break” from your relationship, this might be seen as a green light to form a relationship with someone else.

 2. They make changes to their appearance

If your partner has made sudden changes to their appearance such as buying new clothes, changing their hairstyle, changing their makeup or facial hair, then this could be a sign that they are catering to the tastes of another person, or trying to make themselves more presentable. This could manifest in subtle changes, such as getting haircuts more often or spending more time/money choosing clothes. If you partner is taking more attention to their appearance than usual then this can be a warning sign that they are cheating on you or having an affair. 

3. They shower more often and at irregular times 

This point might seem obvious but is a sign that many people overlook. If your partner is showering more regularly, then this could be a sign that they have been intimate with other people. Some cheaters will use activities such as visiting the gym or playing sports to bathe more regularly; other people might use the shower while their partner is not around to avoid them becoming suspicious about them washing more regularly.  

4. They develop strange smells

If your partner is coming back home smelling of strange aftershave or perfume then this is an obvious tell-tale sign that they could be getting close to another person unbeknownst to you. Similarly, if your husband or wife starts to smell of cigarettes when they don’t smoke, or alcohol, or are using more perfume/aftershave themselves to try to mask odours, then this could be a red flag that something isn’t right. 

Some people have even claimed to have discovered their partner was cheating from “the smell of sex”, or products related to intimacy such as condoms or lubrication… While this point might seem like a bit of a joke, it is a potential warning sign that your partner could be cheating on you.

5. They spend more time doing things away from you

If your partner is spending more and more time away from you then this could be a sign that there is someone else in their life that you aren’t aware about… This could mean that they spend more time than usual running errands in their day-to-day life, for example. Often a cheating partner will claim to be doing things which just don’t quite add up… How long should a trip to the shops take? How long does it take your partner to drive home from work? While it might seem paranoid to make these calculations, if your partner is having an affair then they will need to be dishonest about how they are spending their time while you are apart from them. 

Cheating partners can spend time messaging or calling other people in private which can act as another tell-tale sign that they are interested in somebody else. 

6. They shy away from making commitment or large purchases

If your partner is cheating on you then they might be more reluctant to enter serious commitments with you or make large purchases... If your partner is not thinking about a long-term future with you then they may seem very hesitant when making a big decision such as signing a joint lease or mortgage with you. Co-purchasing vehicles or signing loans would also make a cheater think twice if they are having doubts about a relationship, and whether or not they will continue to be in that relationship several months or years into the future.

To put it simply, if your partner is not showing any signs of planning a future with you in the long term, then this is a major red flag that they are having doubts about your relationship with them.

7. They hide their phone screen

If your partner is hiding their phone screen and not allowing you to use their phone, this is a major red flag that they could be talking with other people inappropriately. If your partner truly has nothing to hide then they should have no issue with you borrowing or using their phone. If your partner becomes angry when you ask to use their phone, tablet, or computer, and insists on keeping their devices private, then ask yourself what they might be attempting to conceal. 

More and more people are using specialist software to hide dating or messaging apps from their partner. This way, it is possible for other people to use their devices without being able to access any dating apps or chats. With more phones having the ability to hide applications in this way, it is inevitable that more people will take advantage of this function to conceal contact with other people from their partners. Be aware that if your partner is tech savvy, then they might be taking steps to try and conceal their digital activities.

8. Their money is going missing

Whether your partner is paying for meals in restaurants or purchasing gifts for a lover, having an affair is likely to cost them money at some point; and if money is going missing or being withdrawn more than necessary, this can act as a sign that your partner might be doing things (or meeting people) that you are not aware of.

This point is harder than it might seem to pick up on. After all, it’s easy to save an amount of cash without your partner finding out. People that are cheating on their partners might only take small amounts of money to fund their activities over a long period of time, unless they are splashing out or purchasing a lavish gift for their lover. However, if significant sums of money are disappearing from your partner’s account, then this is a warning sign that you should consider if your partner is suspected of infidelity.

9. They become angry when asked about cheating

If your partner becomes very angry or defensive when they are asked about cheating then this could act as a red flag that they have something to hide. If a person is not cheating then they should have no reason to overreact to accusations of infidelity. Often is the case that cheaters will try to convince their partner that nothing is happening by reacting to such accusations with a highly charged emotional response.

10. They seem distant or uninterested

Many people that have been victims of infidelity in their relationships will describe a feeling that something isn’t right with their relationship. Often they will describe a gut feeling that something is “off” with their partners and not quite normal. Contributing to this sense of unease could be your partner seeming less and less interested in you, and showing less affection or intimacy that you once experienced in the relationship. If your partner feels distant and not as connected, this can be a sign that their emotional needs might be getting met by another person.

It’s important to note that some people can become very good at masking their lack of interest in a partner, especially if an affair goes on for several months or years, putting your finger on signs that something isn’t right can be more difficult.

What to do if you suspect that your partner is cheating on you

1. Stay calm and gather information

If you suspect that your partner might be cheating on you then we would always recommend to stay calm and bide your time... Taking the time to gather clear evidence that your partner is cheating on you can only serve to help you when confronting them, and during any potential divorce proceedings which may follow. Jumping to a quick and emotional reaction, while tempting as this may be, can lead to you being in a worse position when it comes to proving that infidelity was taking place. The best way to proceed is always by remaining calm and making calculated decisions, no matter how difficult this may seem.

2. Understand and accept your feelings

 For many people, discovering that their partner was cheating on them can begin a rollercoaster of emotions and a process of coming to terms with what has happened. Coming to terms with and understanding your emotions can help to make rational and informed life decisions going forward.

3. Don’t take revenge 

Often people that were cheated on will react with immense anger at the situation, and may do things which they later regret down the line. A common reaction for many people is to seek to embarrass their partners by making posts about their relationship on social media. Other people may even react by doing things (such as damaging their partner’s property) which could lead to legal problems for them down the road. You may feel a temporary feeling of satisfaction when performing acts of revenge, but long term they are unlikely to benefit you and may prove a hinderance.  

4. Let your partner know that you need to talk

Often there is no perfect time to confront a partner about their suspected infidelity. Letting them know that you need to speak to them, and arranging to have ‘the talk’ in a neutral and safe place can be a good way to proceed. 

Confronting your partner about suspicions that they are cheating on you is usually very uncomfortable for both parties. Arranging to have ‘the talk’ with them in a place where they feel safe and comfortable is usually a good first step in confronting them.

5. Get emotional support

Dealing with a cheating partner can prove to be very stressful for most people, and having a support group of friends or family to help you through the situation can be beneficial in many cases. Seeking help and advice from a qualified counsellor can also prove beneficial for many people and help to support them through the process of separating from their partner or resolving difficulties in their relationships.

Getting professional help

PrivateInvestigators-UK are the UK’s leading private detective agency. We have extensive experience investigating people that were suspected of cheating on their partners. We work across all areas of the UK and have helped countless people by delivering the truth and capturing hard evidence of infidelity in the form of images/video. If you suspect that your partner is cheating on you, then we can help to confirm your suspicions and gather proof. Evidence which has been gathered by us during infidelity investigations has helped our clients to save vast amounts of money during subsequent divorce proceedings.

If your partner is not cheating on you, then we can help to confirm this and provide you with peace of mind, without your partner ever finding out that you have used a detective agency to check up on them.

Our job is to gather hard evidence, in the form of photos or videos, which show that infidelity is taking place in a relationship. Such evidence can help our clients come to terms with the situation, and if your partner is cheating on you or having an affair, then confronting them with hard, irrefutable evidence can prove to be quite satisfying.

Please feel free to browse or website for more information about us and the services that we provide or get in touch with us for a free, no obligation quote.

Related articles

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• How private investigators prove infidelity for divorce cases
• How much does it cost to catch a cheating partner?
• Why Men Cheat on Their Pregnant Wives