How to Become a Private Investigator in the UK
January 25, 2021 - Reading time: 11 minutes
As a leading detective agency based in the UK, we feel that there is often a lack of understanding as to the type of work that is undertaken by modern private investigators, and what it takes to become one. Private investigators are often represented in films or TV, with varying degrees of accuracy. As many people will never be in a position where they decide to instruct a detective agency, they may not be as familiar with the work that is carried out by private detectives as with other occupations. The private investigation occupation is a niche one, and can require any number of different skillsets. We have put together this article to try and shine a light on our line of work and provide information for those people that are considering a career in the private investigation industry.
At PrivateInvestigators-UK, we cover a wide range of different services for private individuals and companies alike. As such, the qualities and experience that we look for in our agents will depend on the nature of work that is being undertaken by them; each service that is offered by us is typically completed by an agent with specialist skills and experience that are relevant to the task they are being asked to perform in each case.
What type of people become private investigators?
While Hollywood might have you believe that private detectives are usually middle-aged men wearing trench coats, we believe that a competent detective agency should represent the varied nature of the British population. As such, PrivateInvestigators-UK employs agents from all different backgrounds, nationalities, ages, genders, and walks of life. We feel this is absolutely necessary in order to reach a successful outcome in each case.
Types of work completed by private investigators
The private investigation industry is in fact quite large and encompasses a number of specialised fields. Some detective agencies work mainly for private clients, for example, where an average day might consist of surveilling a husband or wife suspected of infidelity. Other firms may focus more on providing litigation support to law firms, whereby their role is to gather evidence which will benefit legal proceedings. Many other companies only accept corporate clients, whereby they provide due diligence and corporate investigations in order to check business dealings, companies, and private individuals.
Within these 3 niches are countless more specific roles. From process serving, to document analysis, debugging, covert surveillance, tracing people, insurance claim investigations, gathering evidence of cohabitation, interviewing witnesses, conducting lie detector tests, and many other specialist roles. Ultimately, the experience and qualifications needed will depend on the task being undertaken in each case. If you are interested in becoming a private investigator, then the first step would be to choose a speciality, before working towards gaining the qualifications and experience that would make you a desirable candidate for your chosen role.
Surveillance is traditionally the “bread and butter” of most conventional detective agencies, and what springs into mind for most people when they hear the term “private investigator”. Surveillance is simply the act of watching a person or property, following them, and collecting photos/video as proof of their activities. Surveillance can be utilised in many different situations, from infidelity investigations, to insurance claim investigations, or as part of corporate due diligence.
Qualities that we look for in private investigators
Many of the agents working for PrivateInvestigators-UK have experience from their former roles in law enforcement (police) or military; and we have a natural preference towards these people. While many private investigators find their roles after leaving a career in military or law enforcement, where they may have acquired and developed relevant skillsets, over the years we have seen the emergence of more and more “career” detectives; they are people that have primarily focused their working lives towards building a skillset, and experience, in investigation. Many of these individuals are highly talented people and very proficient in their roles.
Whether you are coming from a military/police background, or simply looking for a career change, the first steps to becoming a private investigator will almost always be gaining recognized qualifications which will teach you the basic skills needed during investigations. Qualifications and experience are naturally desired by all established private investigation agencies.
Aside from the more obvious qualifications in field work such as surveillance, we rely on many other skills on a day-to-day basis. For example, a surveillance agent may be a skilled photographer, but he or she will also need to be capable of editing, organizing, and compressing images which they have taken, along with writing coherent reports which includes all relevant details whilst being easy to read. Basic to moderate skills with video editing software would also be a necessity.
A private investigator must be highly proficient in the English language. All reports that are sent out must be grammatically correct, use correct punctuation, and be articulated in such a way that they are easily understood, whilst still providing detailed descriptions of events.
Sending e-mails or reports which include spelling mistakes or incorrect grammar, indicates laziness and would be unacceptable for anyone working in our firm – we take our job seriously and we believe that messages which are riddled with spelling mistakes set an unprofessional tone. Taking the time to proof read reports and e-mails in order to correct mistakes is essential. Reports should be formatted into paragraphs so that they are easy to read. We would recommend anyone that is looking to work as a private detective to make sure that their English writing abilities are up to a high standard.
Being able to communicate effectively is extremely important when explaining the results of an investigation to a client or a fellow detective, and in outlining any requirements or prerequisites before a case is accepted. We look for highly intelligent, motivated people, and any other skills which they bring to the table would be seen as a bonus.
Do I need a degree to work as a private investigator in the UK?
No, a degree is not required in order to work as a private investigator in the UK. While some firms may look for candidates with relevant degrees, at the time of writing there is no legal requirement for private investigators to have degrees; nor is this a blanket requirement for detectives that work for PrivateInvestigators-UK. A private investigator with years of experience would always be seen as more valuable to our firm than a candidate with no relevant experience and a degree in criminology for example. We believe that besides completing relevant courses, that many of the skills relied on in our industry are learned through experience, and gradually honed over many years.
Get qualified as a UK private investigator
There are countless different options when it comes to choosing qualifications in the investigative field. Both ISS Training and Titan Investigations offer relevant courses in investigative skills and are recommended by many professional detectives. You might also consider UKPIN, which offers a diploma in investigative related skills.
Searching online you will find numerous private investigation courses and qualifications; many have varying degrees of usefulness and credibility. Before spending your hard-earned money and time on a private investigation course, we would recommend speaking with actual private investigators about what training they would recommend. Many PIs do not value so-called “online investigation courses”… Cheap online courses are generally not held with much regard by established detective agencies. Though it should be said that filling your CV with any type of supplementary training (online or otherwise) may well increase your attractiveness to prospective employers; we certainly recognize and appreciate people that continually try to better themselves through training and education.
Past investigative experience
As with any occupation, experience is everything when it comes to finding employment as a private detective. Many detectives start their careers from a law enforcement or military background, we certainly value the skillset from individuals that having been taught disciplines such as surveillance tactics from a law enforcement agency or military.
If your goal is to build a career as a private investigator, then experience will form the cornerstone of your professional credibility. Many private investigator associations only permit members which have a certain amount of experience within the field.
Without experience, an impressive list of qualifications may be needed to get a foot in the door at most firms.
Should you choose a career as a private detective?
As with most professions, working as a private detective has its ups and downs. Whilst the job can be extremely rewarding, there are often times when it can become tedious, or very hard and stressful. Private investigators often work very long hours in order to gather information or evidence. In many cases the results of an investigation may not be what is desired or hoped for by our clients… Some people may react with strong emotions to the results of an investigation; and dealing with people that are highly emotional, and perhaps not thinking rationally, is a part of the job. Ultimately our job is to uncover the truth and deliver it to our clients. Not all investigations result in outcomes which our clients hoped for, or that was in their favour.
A competent detective should be able to communicate effectively to people, and try to be the voice of reason in difficult cases. We are not counsellors or phycologists, though we have certainly had to recommend such professionals at times when our clients are struggling to deal with the confronting results of their investigations.
Though there are negatives, we dare to predict that most private detectives do enjoy their jobs and the satisfaction that comes with providing evidence or uncovering the truth for our clients in most cases.
Getting employed as a private investigator in the UK
PrivateInvestigators-UK is one of the largest leading detective agencies in the UK. Our detectives cover all areas of England, Wales, Scotland, NI, ROI, Europe, and beyond. We are always on the lookout for new talent within the investigative field, and we work with agents from a range of different backgrounds and skillsets across all areas of the UK. If you are interested in working on behalf of PrivateInvestigators-UK then please be sure to read our careers page for more information and details on how to get in touch with us.
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How to Stop Travellers Moving on Your Land
January 9, 2021 - Reading time: 6 minutes
One of the many challenges facing land owners in the UK is the ever present worry that travellers will pitch up onto their private land and setup camp. Travellers often bring multiple vehicles, trailers, children, and livestock with them onto private land, and as such, the potential for damage to be caused by these uninvited guests setting up camp on a parcel of private land is all too apparent.
As a leading detective and enforcement agency based in the UK, we are often tasked with serving notice on travellers and removing them from private land. Over the years we have learned what works, and what doesn’t work, when it comes to increasing security and trying to prevent unauthorized people (and their vehicles) from entering private land.
We have compiled the following tips which can help to increase security and stop gypsies or travellers from moving onto your private land in the first place.
Ditches and mounds
One of the most cost-effective methods for preventing unauthorised vehicles from entering private land is to dig deep ditches and build mounds of earth in strategic locations around the boundary. In some cases these ditches can also double up as drainage trenches. Large mounds of earth are also effective; though do bear in mind that if your dirt pile can be quickly moved by one or two men with shovels, then it may not remain in the same place for very long. It’s important to consider any liability issues which might arise from members of the public falling into steep ditches; while digging a ditch in itself is not illegal, excavating earth with the goal of creating a boobytrap most certainly is not. Ditches can help to fortify existing fences along your boundary and create an additional deterrent.
Physical barricades
Physical barricades can come in many different shapes and sizes – effectively any large, heavy object which is difficult to move can be used to block the entrance to your piece of land. Large boulders or concrete blocks are a popular choice, we have also seen shipping containers or large vehicles used to block gateways. The bigger and heavier an object is, the more effective it will be at preventing access.
Fencing and gates
Traditional British hedgerows are a popular choice for enclosing land; however, a hedgerow can easily be removed by one man with a chainsaw, or flattened using off-road vehicles. Digging a ditch along one side of your hedge, or placing boulders along the perimeter, can help to fortify hedgerows against these types of attacks.
High security fencing, such as metal palisade fencing, can be very effective at preventing trespassers from accessing land, though the costs can be prohibitive depending on the size of area that needs to be enclosed. Concrete or metal bollards, especially when used alongside ditches, are often a more cost-effective barrier to keep vehicles from accessing plots of land. For adequate security, bollards should be dug into the ground by at least 3 feet and be secured in place with plenty of concrete. If you are using metal pipe style bollards, then filling them with concrete can also help to increase their strength.
When it comes to choosing a gate for your land, the most secure option would be a heavy steel gate which cannot be easily rammed open by a vehicle. When it comes to security, we believe that you get what you pay for, and purchasing or fabricating a heavy-duty gate with high gauge steel and a solid locking mechanism has the potential to deter nuisances such as gypsies, fly-tippers, or poachers.
Whatever style of gate you choose, be sure to check that it cannot be simply lifted off its hinges and removed, this is a surprisingly common means to gain access to land without a key to the gate, and usually without causing any damage. Security hinges are designed to prevent this form of attack; however, if your gate has been hinged in such a way that it is vulnerable, lockable brackets can be purchased online which fix onto gate hinges in order to prevent the gate from being lifted up and removed.
Locks and locking mechanisms
The more money that is spent fortifying your land, the more money you might save by preventing antisocial or criminal activity, and purchasing an adequate lock is one aspect where it doesn’t pay to cut corners. High end padlocks are often made with boron-carbide shackles, for example, which means that they are virtually impossible to cut open with a traditional pair of bolt cutters. Many higher end locks are also drill resistant, and some even use technology such as inbuilt alarms.
We suggest using padlock protectors to prevent locks from being cut or tampered with. Padlock protectors cover the padlock’s shackle and make it harder to cut.
CCTV and security guards
If you own of a piece of land which is susceptible to problems such as traveller camps or fly tipping, then your goal should be to make your land less appealing and deter any such activity before it takes place. CCTV and lighting can provide good phycological deterrents, and if your land is protected by a locked gate, then CCTV images might be able to gather proof that the lock was damaged in order to gain access.
Modern technology relating to batteries and solar power has come a long way. Solar powered security lights and CCTV cameras mean that land can be protected even if it is off grid and not connected to mains power. There are many cost-effective systems now available online.
Protecting land by placing security guards at the entrance 24 hours per day will not be cost effective solution for most land owners. Security patrols and warning signage can have varying levels of effectiveness depending on the location and desirability of your land.
There is no such thing as 100% security; all security can be breached given enough time and effort. The goal is to create an effective deterrent and to make your land less appealing to gypsies or travellers than surrounding plots of land. If your land is more difficult to access, then the hope is that travellers will choose to setup camp at a different location instead.
Removing travellers from your land
If travellers or gypsies have already moved onto your private land, then the information contained in this article might not be much use until your land has been vacated. We can help to quickly evict travellers from most areas of the UK. We offer a fast and cost-efficient service. Learn more about gypsy/traveller evictions.
10 Surprising Red Flags that your Partner is Cheating On You
December 28, 2020 - Reading time: 14 minutes
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.
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Female Private Investigators UK
December 8, 2020 - Reading time: 5 minutes
If you require a female private detective to work as part of an investigation in the UK, we can help. There are many different reasons behind making the decision to instruct a female detective in your case. We believe that the role of modern British detective agencies has moved on from the old ‘cloak and dagger’ days of trench coat wearing men with briefcases... Competent private detectives come from all walks of life and in order to secure a successful outcome, must blend in perfectly with their surroundings. Utilizing female private investigators can very much help us to achieve that objective in an innumerable amount of cases.
When getting in touch with us, please let us know whether you would prefer a male or female investigator to work in your case, and explain the circumstances that you need our help with. We will do our best to understand the situation and use the best, most appropriate agent in your case.
We believe that females play a key role in all competent detective agencies, and our network includes many exceptional lady detectives who are experienced in a full range of different cases. Many of our female agents come from a law enforcement or military background, and are held to the same high standards which we expect from all of our agents.
Unlike some detective agencies, we recognize the valuable input that female agents can bring to a case. We believe that females can take on any role that a male can, and in some cases, females may prove more effective than men working in the same role. For example, in surveillance cases which involve following female subjects or children, a female private detective might be looked on with less suspicion, which can help them to stay under the radar and go unnoticed. There are many different circumstances under which a female might be able to more effectively blend into their surroundings than a male. We do our best to understand the challenges presented by each case and endeavour to take the best path forward, using the best and most appropriate agent for the circumstances.
Why hire a female private investigator?
Females can play a massive role in many different aspects of investigative work, and many cases that we have previously worked on have benefitted hugely from the input of female agents. We know from experience that females can often go undetected more easily during undercover operations. Often is the case that male or female subjects will find themselves more at ease when being pursued in close proximity by a female agent.
Many people have preconceived ideas about private investigators, female agents tend not to form part of those stereotyped notions. Our goal in any given case is to remain under the radar and blend in with our surroundings. This can often mean using some form of disguise or cover, depending on the environment in which we are working.
The simple fact is that many people have preconceived ideas about private investigators and how they look. Using agents, whether they are male or female, with appearances which match their surroundings, can help us to blend in and secure the best possible results for our clients.
What type of cases do female private investigators work on?
We believe that female private detectives are capable of taking on any cases that are handled by our agency. Ranging from catching cheating partners during infidelity investigations, serving documents, corporate investigations, undercover assignments, and many more.
PrivateInvestigators-UK accepts work from private and corporate clients alike, our work is often varied and unpredictable, and some of the best results that have been delivered by us have involved the use of female agents.
Working as a female private detective in the UK
There is no shortage of work for female agents within UK based detective agencies, our agents work on dozens of cases per week and we are constantly looking for new talent to help with our workload. We primarily work with former law enforcement (police) and military personnel. Our advice to anyone looking for work as a private detective would be for them to gain a desirable skillset and above all, tangible qualifications relating to surveillance and other fields of investigative work. Please see our careers page for more information on being hired by us.
The history of females working as private detectives
Females working as private detectives stretches back as far as the profession itself. Records date back as far as 1856, when Kate Warne was reported to have become the first female PI in America just 4 years after Charles Field established his UK enquiry office after retiring from the metropolitan police. Lady private investigators have been involved in the industry since it first started, and female agents will certainly remain a key part of our detective agency into the future,
While stereotypes or misconceptions might lead people into believing that the PI industry is dominated by men, this could not be further from the truth. Our team includes people from all backgrounds and genders, each bringing their own unique experiences and qualifications. We aim to select the most suitable agent in each case that we take on.
Starting an investigation
If you would like to start an investigation then feel free to reach out to us for a free, no pressure consultation. Whether your case involves the use of female or male agents, we will do our best to protect your interests by uncovering the truth. All contact with us is strictly private and confidential and we offer free quotes for all work. We will endeavour to understand your situation and offer the best path forwards depending on your circumstances.
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