Why Private Investigators use Drones in the UK

March 6, 2022 - Reading time: 7 minutes
Updated on: July 24, 2025

As private investigators, we always keep an eye out for innovative and up-and-coming technology to improve the accuracy and efficiency of our investigations. Whether it’s covert cameras, advancements to GPS tracking technology, or any other gadget, private investigators rely on technology to secure the best possible results in every case.

It should come as no surprise that drones have been used by private investigators in the UK since the technology first started to hit the market.

Drones can be used by private investigators in a wide variety of different circumstances and cases, and are regularly employed by private investigators across the UK.

Why private investigators use drones

1. During surveillance cases

Drones can be used to supplement traditional reconnaissance tactics during surveillance cases; however, they are not capable of replacing private investigators altogether. Most of the time when it comes to securing ‘the money shot’ and taking photos which clearly identify the subject of the investigation, you can’t beat an experienced investigator on the ground with suitable camera gear to obtain high-quality photographic or video evidence.

When used during surveillance cases, drones can help to survey an area, and to explore locations which would otherwise be inaccessible due to perimeter fencing or difficult terrain.

2. Search and rescue operations

While perhaps not one of the more stereotypical reasons that you might think to hire a private investigator, when people go missing PIs are often asked to help find them; this includes search and rescue cases.

Drones come into their element when large areas of land must be searched. Particularly if a person is thought to be injured or incapacitated, finding them swiftly can be vital to their survival. Drones excel in these cases, as they're not typically slowed by terrain which might be challenging to access on foot.

3. Scene inspections

Another area where private investigators use drones is during scene inspections for insurance investigations. Whether the case concerns a road traffic collision, natural disaster, or damage caused by fire, obtaining an aerial view over a scene often helps bring the elements into perspective and paints a clearer picture.

4. To gather evidence of trespassing

Trespassing can be a nuisance for many landowners, especially when accompanied by hostile acts such as petty crime or vandalism. In these situations, drones provide effective private property surveillance, gathering clear evidence of trespassing or anti-social behaviour, and clearly demonstrating that a subject was accessing our client’s land without consent.

5. For safety and security

Where drones are used during surveillance, our goal is to remain discreet and unnoticed. During close protection or counter-surveillance operations, however, drones may be used overtly. Overt drone use deliberately allows the subject to see they are being observed by the device.

If a person is knowingly engaged in wrongdoing, a drone hovering ominously in front of them can act as a strong visual deterrent.

Monitoring perimeters of guarded areas can also be effectively aided by drones.

6. To catch fly tippers

Many landowners in the UK are forced to deal with mess left behind by fly tippers. Fly tipping creates nuisance and often enormous clean-up costs for landowners.

Fly-tipped rubbish frequently includes building waste, contaminated materials, broken glass, asbestos, used syringes, toxic chemicals, and other hazardous substances.

If land is subject to ongoing fly tipping, a detective agency may be brought in to monitor the area using surveillance and covert monitoring devices.

Catching fly tippers in rural areas can be challenging, and drones can be particularly effective in helping investigators catch offenders in the act.

7. Gathering evidence of theft

If you suspect someone might be stealing from you, an experienced private investigator can gather evidence using a drone. Especially in rural or remote locations, drones can collect crucial photographic or video evidence which might otherwise be impossible to capture using conventional surveillance techniques.

Disadvantages to using drones

While we could write an entire article on the advantages of drones, it’s important to acknowledge their limitations and potential drawbacks.

Noise created by drones

When discreet drone use is necessary, noise is a critical consideration. Drones can often be heard before they're seen, meaning a competent drone pilot must understand how far to remain from the subject to stay discreet and unheard.

As technology advances, drone noise levels continue to decrease, and high-resolution cameras increasingly enable quality images to be captured from greater distances.

Battery life

While some drones can fly for up to 50 minutes, most can remain airborne for only 10–30 minutes before needing to recharge. Battery limitations remain a significant drawback when using drones for private investigations.

Some drones feature removable batteries, allowing quick swaps and minimal downtime. Otherwise, drones must recharge fully before returning to use.

Are private investigators allowed to use drones in the UK?

Yes, absolutely. Because private investigators use drones for commercial purposes, they must obtain Permission for Commercial Operation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Not only have all our drone operators received full permission and certification from the Civil Aviation Authority, we also strictly adhere to UK drone and privacy laws, boasting extensive experience using drones during private investigations.

Our drone operators have gradually honed their skills through hundreds, if not thousands, of flight hours of experience in both training and real-world investigations. We believe such experience is crucial, clearly evident in our exceptional results.

Hire a private investigator to use a drone

If you need a private investigator to capture footage or images using a drone, or to discuss how drone surveillance can help your case, please feel free to get in touch with our experienced team for a free consultation or visit our homepage to learn more about us.

To provide you with an accurate quote, we’ll require relevant details including the postcode for the location where assistance is needed. Please include this information when contacting us. We offer free, no-obligation quotes for all our services.