Tell Us What Does Not Add Up
Something feels wrong in a relationship, someone has disappeared, a person's history is unclear or the records inside a business no longer make sense. You bring the question, not a diagnosis.
Private investigation services since 1997
Private Investigators Across the UK Since 1997
Worried, unsure, or simply need the truth? Since 1997 our private investigators have helped people and organisations across the UK find honest, lawful answers. Whatever you are facing, you can speak to us in complete confidence today.
Hire a Private Investigator in the UK
You do not need to know which service to choose. Tell us what has happened, what you need to establish and how you expect to use the answer. A senior investigator will review the situation and tell you whether an investigation is likely to help.
If it is, we will recommend the right route: surveillance to establish movements or behaviour, people tracing to locate someone, background checks to verify identity or history or corporate investigations into fraud or misconduct. You will know what can be done lawfully, the likely cost and what you can expect to receive before you decide whether to proceed. If you want to understand the process first, read what to expect when you hire a private investigator.
Find the right investigation service
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Your next step
Answer the three questions for a clear recommendation.
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Professional private investigation services across the UK
You Bring the Question. We Help Establish the Facts.
You may not know whether you need surveillance, a trace, a background check or a corporate investigation. You only need to know which decision is being held up by missing facts.
Establishing What Can Be Checked
A senior investigator identifies the lawful and proportionate route, explains the likely cost and gathers evidence without presenting assumption as fact.
You Decide What Happens Next
You receive a clear account of what was found, what could not be established and what the evidence can support. You can then act, stop or seek legal advice.
Private Investigations for People and Families
When uncertainty affects a relationship, family decision or legal matter, UKPI helps you replace assumption with evidence. Our investigators provide surveillance to establish movements or behaviour, people tracing to locate somebody and background checks to verify identity or history.
We support private clients with relationship concerns, child custody and family proceedings, address or person tracing, and other sensitive enquiries where clear facts may influence what happens next. Every instruction is assessed for lawful purpose and proportionality before work begins.
Corporate, Fraud and Legal Investigation Support
For businesses, solicitors and law firms, our corporate investigation services examine employee misconduct, theft, conflicts of interest, false claims and due diligence concerns. Where money or ownership is in question, fraud investigations and asset tracing can document facts needed for recovery, enforcement or legal advice.
Work may combine document and background research, lawful field enquiries and surveillance. Reports explain the source, strength and limits of the evidence so that you and your legal advisers can review it properly.
Lawful Methods, Clear Evidence
UK private investigators do not have police powers. We work within UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the laws governing privacy, trespass and harassment. We do not access private bank records, intercept communications or impersonate authorities. Where appropriate, findings can be provided in a written report or witness statement.
- Lawful, proportionate enquiries
- Scope and price agreed before work
- Evidence and its limits explained clearly
Our Private Investigator Services
Whatever you are dealing with, there is a service to match it. Every case is handled discreetly by experienced investigators, from our London base for clients across the UK.
Surveillance
Discreet, lawful covert surveillance for relationship, insurance and workplace matters, with clear photo and video evidence you can rely on.
How we can help
People Tracing
We trace missing people, debtors and lost contacts across the UK, combining public records, field work and database checks to locate someone quickly and lawfully.
How we can help
Background Checks
Know who you are dealing with before you commit. We confirm identity, address history and financial standing for private clients, landlords and employers.
How we can help
Corporate Investigations
We protect businesses from fraud, theft and dishonesty, handling commercial investigations, due diligence and employee enquiries shaped around your situation.
How we can helpInvestigation help for common situations
Wherever you are starting from
Most people come to us in the middle of something difficult. Find yours below and start there.
I need to find someone who has gone missing
PEOPLE TRACINGSomething feels wrong in my relationship
RELATIONSHIPSI need to know if I can trust someone
BACKGROUND CHECKSI need proof of what is really happening
SURVEILLANCESomething is not right in my business
CORPORATE AND FRAUDThis is happening to me online
CYBER AND DIGITALWhy Choose UK Private Investigators
Choosing the right private investigator matters. We treat every case with genuine discretion, and we understand the worry that brings people to us in the first place.
Our investigators have built a trusted reputation since 1997. With 29 years behind us, we understand the law, the courts and what it takes to get you answers you can rely on.
Based in London and working across the UK, we are members of the IAAR, UK-PSA and SoFI, so your case stays in safe, accountable hands.
IAAR Member
UK-PSA Member
SoFI Member
Est. 1997
How Our Investigations Work
Simple and transparent, from first contact to receiving your evidence.
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Contact Us
Call or message us about your situation. We listen and answer in plain language.
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Free Consultation
Your first consultation is free, confidential and without obligation. We explain your options.
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Investigation
We agree a clear plan and price, then gather evidence lawfully while protecting your privacy.
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Your Report
You receive a written report with clear evidence and advice on what to do next.
Independent client feedback
What clients say on Google
Read independent feedback from clients on the UKPI Google Business Profile.
Private Investigator Questions
What is the difference between a private investigator and a private detective? Close
In the UK, the terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to professional investigators who conduct investigations for private clients, solicitors, and businesses. At UKPI, our investigators hold the same accreditations whether called detectives or investigators.
Are private detectives legal in the UK? Open
Yes. Private detectives operate legally in the UK provided they comply with data protection law, avoid harassment, and respect privacy rights. UKPI investigators are members of the IAAR, UK-PSA and SoFI, and all our methods meet legal standards.
How much does a private investigator cost in the UK? Open
Costs depend on the case type and complexity. Surveillance is charged at 295 pounds per operative per day, with a discounted daily rate when three or more days are instructed. People tracing is a fixed fee of 120 pounds per trace. We provide a free, no-obligation quote after your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Are your investigators professionally accredited? Open
Yes. All UKPI operatives hold relevant professional accreditations and follow strict codes of conduct. We are members of recognised industry bodies and our evidence-gathering methods meet the standards required for legal proceedings.
Is everything I tell you confidential? Open
Absolutely. Every enquiry, conversation, and piece of evidence is treated with the strictest confidence. We never share your details with anyone without your explicit written consent.
How quickly can you start an investigation? Open
In most cases we can begin within 24 to 48 hours of your initial consultation. For urgent matters, same-day deployment is often possible depending on your location and the type of investigation.
Get in Touch
Speak to a private investigator in confidence. Call 0800 043 1754 or send a short message using the form. Your enquiry is confidential, and there is no obligation. A senior private investigator will review what you tell us and reply quickly.
IAAR
UK-PSA
SoFI
Est. 1997