Private Investigators UK blog - Private Investigators UK

Why Would a Private Investigator Want to Talk to You?

October 25, 2023 - Reading time: 5 minutes
Updated on: April 6, 2025

When most people think of private investigators, they imagine someone watching from behind darkened car windows or lurking in the bushes. But in reality, private detectives often speak to people directly — and not always for suspicious reasons. If a private investigator has tried to contact you, it usually means you might know something useful.

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Being contacted by a PI isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, your cooperation could help someone else — or even benefit you. Below, we explain some of the most common reasons a private investigator might try to reach you.

1. You’re Involved in Legal Proceedings

If you're going through a divorce, child custody battle, or being sued, a private investigator may be trying to deliver legal documents. This process is called process serving. It can include things like claim forms, bankruptcy petitions, family court paperwork, and restraining orders.

If a PI approaches you in public and asks for identification, they’re likely serving you papers. Avoiding them won’t help in the long run — legal papers can still be legally served, even if left at your feet.

2. Someone You Know Is Missing

When someone goes missing — especially a vulnerable person — PIs are often called in to help. If they’re reaching out to you, it's likely because you might know something that could help reunite someone with a loved one.

Finding a missing person involves a combination of record searching and good old-fashioned questioning. A conversation with a PI could make all the difference in a case like this.

3. You (or Someone You Know) Owe Money

Debt recovery is a regular part of investigative work. A PI may contact you if you’re listed as a debtor, guarantor, or someone who could offer useful information.

You're not legally obliged to cooperate, but dodging calls rarely ends the matter. In some cases, it’s better to communicate — or even hire your own investigator if you're concerned about privacy or fairness.

4. You Previously Reached Out to a Private Investigator

If you've filled out a contact form, sent an enquiry, or messaged a PI online, don’t be surprised if they follow up. Like any other professional service, private investigators need to assess your case properly before taking it on.

They’ll likely ask questions to clarify your goals, the situation, and the people involved. This isn’t prying — it’s ensuring they can help you effectively. Many investigators also offer a free consultation or quote before any commitment is made.

5. You’re the Subject of a Background Check

If you’ve applied for a job, tenancy, or financial role recently, you may be undergoing background screening. Private investigators often carry these out on behalf of employers or companies conducting due diligence.

If you're contacted in this context, you don’t need to panic. If you’ve got nothing to hide, it may be in your favour to engage — it shows transparency and professionalism.

6. You Work in Law Enforcement

Sometimes, private investigators uncover information that relates to active crimes. While they aren’t police officers themselves, ethical investigators will report anything relevant to law enforcement — especially if it involves harm or risk to others. If you’re in law enforcement, a PI may be trying to pass on something important.

7. You've Inherited Money

Not all reasons are bad — sometimes, it’s good news. If a relative has passed away and you’ve been listed in their will, a PI may have been hired to track you down. Locating beneficiaries is a common job for private investigators, especially when executors are trying to find missing heirs or relatives.

In these cases, a PI is simply acting on behalf of an estate. You could be owed something — and they’re trying to make sure you get it.

So, Should You Respond?

If a private investigator contacts you, you have two options: you can speak with them, or you can refuse. In many cases, ignoring them only prolongs the situation. If you’re unsure, consider seeking your own legal or investigative advice — especially if the matter is sensitive.

How We Help Serve Statutory Demands & Bankruptcy Petitions

October 20, 2023 - Reading time: 6 minutes
Updated on: April 6, 2025

When you’re trying to recover a debt — especially a significant one — the process can feel stressful and uncertain. Whether it's unpaid invoices, breached agreements, or overdue loans, there may come a point when formal legal action becomes the only viable route. Serving a statutory demand or a bankruptcy petition is a key part of that legal strategy — and one that needs to be executed correctly.

Suited man looking through paperwork

At Private Investigators UK, we offer a professional, fully compliant process serving service — ensuring documents are delivered accurately, effectively, and with proper legal documentation. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is a Statutory Demand?

A statutory demand is a formal legal notice used to request repayment of a debt. It is most commonly issued under the Insolvency Act 1986 and gives the debtor 21 days to repay the debt, reach a repayment agreement, or apply to have the demand set aside.

In England and Wales, if the debtor fails to act within this timeframe, the creditor has grounds to begin formal insolvency proceedings. You can read more about the legal requirements at gov.uk/statutory-demands.

What Happens If a Debtor Wants to Challenge It?

The debtor may apply to "set aside" the statutory demand if they believe the debt is disputed or has already been paid. In such cases, the matter could be referred to court for a hearing, where a judge will decide whether the claim is valid.

When Does Bankruptcy Come Into It?

If the debtor ignores the statutory demand and owes more than £5,000, the creditor can apply for a bankruptcy petition. This is a legal process where a judge may declare the individual bankrupt, allowing their assets to be seized and liquidated to repay creditors.

You can explore the bankruptcy petition process on the official UK government site: gov.uk/apply-to-bankrupt-someone.

It’s important to remember that a bankruptcy petition must be served correctly, with evidence that the debtor has received the papers. Failure to follow the proper steps can cause delays or rejection of your case in court.

What Is Process Serving and Why Does It Matter?

Process serving involves the delivery of legal documents in a way that satisfies court requirements. If you’re serving a statutory demand or bankruptcy petition, using a qualified process server is the safest route to ensure the job is done properly.

Some debtors attempt to dodge their responsibilities by disappearing or avoiding direct contact. In these cases, ordinary mail won’t do — you need proof of delivery. This is where we step in.

Why Use a Private Investigator for Process Serving?

Private investigators bring an edge that ordinary courier services or bailiffs can’t offer. At Private Investigators UK, we provide:

Professional Delivery: We serve documents in person, directly to the debtor, at home, work or another known location.
Full Documentation: We provide legally recognised evidence of service, including photographs, witness statements and affidavits.
Debtor Tracing: If the debtor has moved or gone into hiding, our people tracing service can help track them down.

Serving documents correctly is often the tipping point between recovering money and losing your case in court. Trust professionals who understand the process inside out.

How We Locate Debtors Trying to Avoid Service

Holding a magnifying glass over a keyboard

Many debtors who face bankruptcy attempt to “disappear” — changing addresses, using aliases, or staying with family. That’s why our trained investigators use a blend of open-source intelligence (OSINT), field enquiries, digital footprint analysis, and other tools to locate individuals swiftly and lawfully.

What Happens After a Successful Serve?

Once the statutory demand or bankruptcy petition has been served, we issue a detailed Affidavit of Service — a sworn statement confirming when, where, and how the service took place. This can be submitted in court if required, strengthening your legal position.

If the debtor still does not comply, you may proceed with court action or petition for bankruptcy with confidence, knowing the procedure has been correctly followed.

What If the Debtor Refuses to Accept the Documents?

Refusal to physically take the documents doesn’t invalidate the serve. If a debtor is identified and the process server informs them of the nature of the documents, placing them at their feet or on the ground in their presence is considered valid under UK law.

Get a Free Quote

We provide fast, no-pressure quotations on all work. If you’d like a quote, simply contact us with your UK postcode and a short description of your case. We’ll assess your needs and give you a transparent, no-obligation quote within one business day.

Whether you’re a solicitor managing a large caseload or an individual pursuing justice — we’re here to help.

Is My Tenant Subletting My Property Without Permission?

October 14, 2023 - Reading time: 5 minutes
Updated on: April 6, 2025

If you’re a landlord, knowing who lives in your property is more than just a formality — it’s a necessity. But what happens if your tenant is subletting the property without telling you? Whether it’s long-term lodgers or short-term guests via platforms like Airbnb, unauthorised subletting can create serious issues.

Holding keys in front of a property

From unexpected wear and tear to potential legal consequences, subletting without consent can turn your investment into a liability. At Private Investigators UK, we’re often called upon to discreetly confirm whether subletting is taking place — and if so, to provide the proof landlords need to act confidently.

What Exactly Is Subletting?

Subletting is when your tenant rents out all or part of your property to someone else. The original tenant effectively becomes a “landlord” to the subtenant. In some cases, this might involve a formal agreement between them — in others, the arrangement is informal and unregulated.

Subtenants usually have exclusive rights to the room(s) they occupy, and they pay rent to the original tenant — not you. With today’s rental prices, this can be a tempting way for tenants to make extra income. Some sublet long-term, while others take advantage of short-term letting apps.

Is Subletting Without Permission Illegal in the UK?

Subletting in itself is not illegal — but doing it without your permission often breaches the tenancy agreement. Most contracts clearly state whether subletting is allowed, and under what conditions.

If a tenant breaks this agreement, you may have grounds to begin eviction proceedings. But before taking action, it's crucial to gather reliable evidence.

Why Unauthorised Subletting Is a Problem

Subletting without your knowledge can lead to a number of issues, including:

Subtenants with no verified background or credit checks
Uncertainty around who is living in the property
Increased wear and tear, property damage, or illegal activity
Potential violation of HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) rules
Voided landlord insurance due to unapproved occupancy

One of the most serious risks is unknowingly running an illegal HMO. Under UK law, a property becomes an HMO when it is occupied by at least three unrelated individuals who share facilities. If unlicensed, the fines can be severe — sometimes exceeding £20,000.

Common Signs Your Tenant May Be Subletting

While it's not always easy to prove subletting, certain red flags should raise your suspicion:

Multiple people seen entering and exiting the property regularly
Mail or parcels addressed to unknown names
Locks on internal bedroom doors
Tenants evasive about who else is living there
The property appears frequently on short-let sites

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it may be time to look into it more thoroughly.

How Can a Private Investigator Help?

Many landlords come to us when they suspect subletting but don’t have clear proof. Confronting a tenant without evidence often results in denial — or worse, retaliation.

Our private investigators can carry out discreet residency checks and surveillance to confirm exactly who is living at your property, and when. If subletting is happening, we’ll gather evidence such as photographs, movement logs, and witness reports — all admissible in court if needed.

Private investigator taking photos from a car

Can I Evict a Subtenant?

You can’t evict a subtenant directly unless you have a legal relationship with them — but you can evict your original tenant for breach of contract. Once they leave, the subtenant has no legal right to remain unless they’re on a new agreement with you.

If damage has occurred, or if the situation has put your insurance at risk, taking legal action may be necessary. Having documented evidence from a licensed investigator can strengthen your case significantly.

Need Help? Get in Touch

If you’re worried that your tenant might be subletting your property behind your back, don’t let the situation escalate. Contact us for a free, no-pressure quote. We’ll assess your concerns, offer clear guidance, and if needed, deploy one of our specialist team members to discreetly investigate.

Whether it’s short-term lets, unauthorised lodgers, or potential HMO violations — we’re here to help landlords stay informed and protected.

Can Evidence from Private Investigators be used in Court?

October 8, 2023 - Reading time: 6 minutes
Updated on: April 6, 2025

Yes. Private investigators can gather evidence which is admissible in a court of law, subject to the discretion of the judge. In order to ensure that our reports meet the standard for court admissibility, we must follow specific practices and procedures. However, it is important to note a few exceptions and considerations related to the admissibility of court evidence.

An investigator taking a photo from inside a car using a DSLR camera

Gathering evidence for use in court is a delicate matter which should only be handled by an experienced private investigator. When it comes to checking on a person's activities through surveillance, for example, one simple mistake could lead to the subject being tipped off, which might ruin any further efforts to surveil them. Experience is often key when it comes to gathering solid proof during investigations while remaining discreet and within the strict confines of the law.

Gathering Information Legally

Maintaining the admissibility of evidence requires adhering to strict legal guidelines. All competent private investigators will be trained and versed on acceptable practices. Any evidence obtained through illegal means, such as trespassing, hacking, intimidation, or other unlawful methods, will be rejected by the judge. Furthermore, presenting such evidence may expose the investigator to legal consequences.

Changes in Accessing Internet Data

The enactment of the Investigatory Powers Act (2016) brought about changes in how we access internet data... While responsible data handling has always been a priority, this Act has further tightened restrictions. Irresponsible data handling is now considered a criminal offense and has somewhat limited the range of permissible actions for PIs.

Clarity and Precision

When private investigators compile evidence, we prioritize producing a final report that is clear, unambiguous, and easily comprehensible. A report that allows for a broad range of interpretations will not be accepted by the judge. Therefore, we employ precise and detached language, presenting documents in a well-structured manner.

Improving Evidence Quality

Although evidence does not necessarily have to be irrefutable in order for it to be admissible, enhancing its quality greatly contributes to its acceptability in court. Therefore, we ensure that all photo and video evidence is recorded at the highest possible quality, as well as being time and date stamped, limiting the potential for interpretation and providing transparent information for the court's reference. In some cases metadata can also be utilized as further proof.

Importance of Clear Footage

In cases involving surveillance for personal injury or infidelity, it is crucial that the footage clearly depicts the relevant events. Mere visual evidence of a subject carrying a box, for instance, does not necessarily prove the extent of their injuries. Consequently, the footage must explicitly demonstrate the contents of the box for accurate assessment. Further context can be added by documenting the subject's total activities during one day or session of surveillance; as well as their activities over a longer period of time.

As much evidence as possible should be gathered and presented to the court in order to build a strong case.

Polygraph Tests and Admissibility

In the United Kingdom, polygraph test results are typically not admissible in court, neither in criminal trials nor during civil proceedings. However, there are countries where lie detector results may be permitted in court. In these countries their administration must usually be conducted by law enforcement agencies. Polygraph reports constitute an exception to our usual standard practices in the UK.

Common Reports Used in Court

Child custody cases are one of the most common situations in which private individuals engage the services of private investigators in order to gather evidence for subsequent court proceedings. In such cases, both parties will seek to present a compelling argument for the child's best interests. In order to ascertain the circumstances when the child is in the care of the other party, a professional private investigator can help to conduct surveillance.

Divorce cases may also benefit from surveillance based investigations, in order to prove that infidelity has taken place or to gather evidence of the other side's nefarious behaviour.

For our corporate clients, surveillance is most often used in cases which involve claims of personal injury... If a claimant is thought to be exaggerating or fabricating an injury then surveillance can act as a cost effective and powerful tool; in many cases quality surveillance can ultimately lead to a personal injury case being thrown out or withdrawn.

If our client needs to serve court paperwork or documents in the UK, then we can help by acting as a process server. As an independent third party, we offer impartiality and can help to ensure that the documents are served swiftly and in the proper manner.