What Are Private Investigators Allowed To Do in the UK?
May 23, 2021 - Reading time: 15 minutes
Updated on: September 3, 2025
There is currently no licensing system for private investigators in the UK. That means British private detectives must follow the same laws as anyone else and use lawful, proportionate methods. Below is a practical guide to what reputable PIs can do, the limits you should expect, and how we work within UK law.
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As a leading UK detective agency, we handle surveillance, process serving, people tracing, background checks, and more. Many clients have never instructed a PI before, so here is a clear list of lawful tasks and the boundaries we follow.
1. Use camera equipment in public places
Private investigators may take photographs or video from public places. This can include filming private property from a public location. We use long lenses, low light and night vision equipment where needed to capture clear, time stamped evidence.
Limits: no trespass, no filming where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, and no harassment. Hidden body-worn cameras are used in lawful settings where recording is permitted.
2. Install listening devices - only with lawful authority
Listening devices or covert cameras may be installed by or with the consent of the lawful owner or occupier of premises to protect property or gather evidence, provided they do not record places with a high expectation of privacy (for example bathrooms) and do not unlawfully monitor third parties.
Limits: no planting devices on property you do not own or lawfully control, no interception of communications, and strict compliance with privacy and data protection rules. We also provide bug sweeping when clients suspect illegal devices planted by others.
3. Fit GPS trackers to vehicles - case by case
GPS tracking can be a powerful intelligence tool in infidelity, fraud, or internal misconduct cases. Trackers are used to identify patterns and help schedule surveillance efficiently.
Limits: legality depends on ownership, consent, and circumstances. We will only deploy trackers where it is lawful and proportionate. If it is not lawful, we will refuse and advise alternative evidence routes.
4. Process serving
A core task for UK agencies is process serving - formally serving legal documents on respondents and providing sworn proof of service. Typical paperwork includes:
- Non-molestation orders and other injunctions
- Divorce petitions and family proceedings
- Bankruptcy and winding up petitions
- Statutory demands and court orders
Why use a PI: we locate respondents, serve safely and discreetly, and produce the correct affidavits or statements for court.
5. Use public records and open sources
PIs cannot access bank records, medical files, or other protected data. We can lawfully use open sources and public records to build a clear picture:
- Companies House filings, insolvency registers, County Court listings
- Land Registry title documents, electoral roll data where accessible
- Press archives, professional registers, planning applications
These sources underpin background checks, due diligence, and people tracing.
6. Conduct social media research
Open-source intelligence includes social media. We identify persistent digital identities, historical content, and links that matter to your case.
Limits: we respect platform terms and UK law. No hacking, no unauthorised access to private accounts, no harassment. Ethically gathering public content and tips from lawful sources produces evidence that stands up better if a case reaches court.
7. Perform covert surveillance
Surveillance is the bread and butter of most UK agencies. We monitor a subject, follow when necessary, and record photos and video without being detected. It is used for cheating partner cases, false injury claims, cohabitation checks, due diligence, and more.
Limits: surveillance must be reasonable, non-harassing, and conducted from lawful vantage points. We plan routes, timings, and coverage to minimise risk while maximising evidential value.
What private investigators cannot do
Briefly: no hacking, no phone or bank data access, no pretexting authorities, no bugging without lawful authority, no trespass or harassment. For a fuller list see what PIs cannot legally do.
Key UK legal notes we follow
- Data protection: UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. We collect only what is necessary and secure it properly.
- Harassment: Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Operations are planned to avoid alarm, distress, or persistent pursuit.
- Privacy: misuse of private information and related case law. We avoid locations with strong expectations of privacy.
- Communications: no interception of communications. Investigatory Powers Act powers apply to public bodies, not PIs.
If a client’s requested tactic would be unlawful, we refuse and propose a compliant alternative.
Our UK team handles surveillance, tracing, background checks, and process serving nationwide. Request a free, no obligation quote with dates, locations, and objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a PI film me inside my home?
No. We cannot enter or film inside your private home without consent. Evidence is gathered from lawful positions and public places.
Is it legal to put a tracker on a partner’s car?
It depends on ownership, consent, and the facts of the case. We assess lawfulness first. If it is not lawful or proportionate, we will not deploy one.
Do you access bank accounts or phone records?
No. That data is private. We rely on open sources, surveillance, and lawful evidence gathering that stands up if challenged.
Will the subject know they are under investigation?
Professional operations are discreet. If no legal action follows, the subject usually remains unaware.
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