The Cost Of A Private Investigator In The UK.

Anderson & Co Surveillance & Private Investigations

Surveillance, People Tracing & Background Check Cost...

The topic of so many Private Investigator related topics, articles and debates. Just how much does (or should) a Private Investigator in the UK cost?

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The cost of hiring a private investigator in the UK can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the location, the experience of the investigator, and the services required. It is impossible to give an absolute and concise figure, however, I will try to give an outline of the costing involved for the most common enquiries, what may be expected, and why. The below is very much an industry standard and may vary slightly depending on the company.

The first and most important one....

Hourly Rates: Private investigators often charge on an hourly basis. Rates can range from £40 to £140 per hour, depending on the complexity and nature of the investigation. More complex cases, such as background checks or corporate investigations, tend to be charged at a fixed rate. Surveillance however can vary from the bare minimum of £40 per hour to as much as £140 per hour if a large team is needed. Some may be VAT registered, some may not be.

So, what does one get for £40 per hour?

This would usually be the cost for static surveillance and observations, where only one operative is needed to monitor a fixed location over the course of several hours. This may be to monitor a residential address, or a workplace or specific area or place of interest.

The operative will remain static from within their vehicle or observation post throughout, obtaining footage as per the requirement of the client.

That same operative will then usually go home and download their footage, making sure the video and photographic evidence is compiled into a professional and legally binding report with time and date stamp to go with. It is vitally important that all surveillance reports are compiled in such a way that they can be used for legal proceedings in a court of law if needs.

This all falls within the operatives £40 per hour. So let's assume the operative has been booked for 8 hours. That then equates to £320. The operative will often drive 1-2 hours to the job, and then 1-2 hours home. So, now that job has become a 12 hour day. Once home, and as mentioned above the operative now has to download their footage and write the surveillance report for the days observations. This can often vary, depending on how much footage is taken, but more often than not may take up to two hours. So, now that day has become a 14 hour day. Broken down into an hourly rate, that now equates to £22 per hour. Then take into account the likelihood that that the operative may have had to fuel his or her car up, and has decided to grab a meal deal or two on route too, further putting a dent into their initial £320 for the day.

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So what does one get for £50 per an hour or more?

Now we're talking about mobile surveillance. Mobile surveillance is firstly more labour intensive. It can often involve following an individual throughout long periods and distances. Sometimes on and off public transport, into shopping areas, restaurants and so on. This takes a bit more skill, patience and hard work, and therefore naturally comes at a higher cost. It's also worth noting that any mobile surveillance job should require two operatives as a minimum. This is to allow the operatives to work in a safe and professional manner, minimising any risk of exposure and allowing them to work in a more efficient and professional manner. There are certain tactics that are utilised by having two operatives on a job. These tactics simply don't work alone. Deploying just one operative on a mobile surveillance job is often asking for trouble. Have you ever tried to follow anyone alone throughout the course of a day, remaining with eyes on at all times and having them under full control? If not, give it a try, see how you get on.....Then try it with two of you. How much easier and safer is it now.....

So that standard £50 per hour now becomes £100 per hour, or in some cases £90 depending on the company. For much more complex and larger cases, the rate may increase by £40 or £50 per hour, per extra operative needed. Bare in mind that each operative has to go through the exact same process of commuting to the job and back, along with fuelling up and the old meal deal, or two - for those of us that simply don't have time to meal prep because we were up until the early hours finishing yesterdays report!

Day rates: For those job's that require a full 10-12 hours surveillance, a day rate may be offered. A day rate is usually charged at £450-£500 per day, per operative. If the full twelve hours is needed, then this would always be the way to go as it works out slightly cheaper than the hourly rate throughout the course of the 12 hours. For the much larger, corporate job's, that may require several operatives, for several weeks, then this day rate can sometimes be brought down slightly.

On the Job expenses:

So the hourly rate has been agreed. We are now able to start talking about job specifics and expected expenses. All of a sudden the client has said that the subject will likely be getting a train down to Central London. The subject will park on the train station car park and usually travels first class as he likes to work while on the move. The client then goes on to mention that the subject has booked a room at the Dorchester Hotel where he will stay for the night, before returning back the following day. So, who covers this? Does that come out of the operatives hourly rate, or does the client cover this? Of course, it's down to the client!

We can't now expect the operatives out on the job (who's hourly rate of £50 per hour, but is now actually more like £20 per hour once all working hours and daily expenses are taken into account) to cover this. Imagine having to cover a car park payment for the day, then train tickets to and from London, then taxi fares, London underground tickets and 'refreshments' at the Dorchester to finish up the evening - and anything else that happens in-between. Can you imagine...The poor old operatives on the ground would actually be out of pocket. It wouldn't be worth them getting out of bed! While this is more towards the extremes of what may happen on a job, it is not uncommon, and both the client and company should be able to agree a fair and reasonable costing for any on the job expenses. Some may require an allowance upfront, some may be happy with invoicing the exact amount once the job has finished. If it is only a few pounds here and there then most companies would be happy to cover that. Anything more, the client should cover!

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People Traces And Background Checks: Again, these can often vary, depending on the information the client has and the circumstances surrounding the trace or background check required. Standard people traces generally start at around £200, and can be as much as £300. Background Checks start at £500 and can be as much as £800 or £900. In some instances, they can be even higher and run into the thousands if we are carrying out a family tree type of check that involves many family members scattered across several different continents and where birth, marriage and death certificates may be required.

If it is just a very basic people trace to establish where a long lost friend is currently residing, for example, then it should be relatively simple and straightforward to carry out, given that we have some specific identifiers to work off - full name, date of birth, last known address or area from or last known. If, however, it is a bit more complex, and we only have a phone number, email or social media account to work off, it may require more time and resources, and therefore adds a little bit more cost to the trace.

The same with background checks. If you have lot's of information on the person in question and are just looking to confirm their backstory, it may not take as much time and resources as let's say, a typical catfishing case, where you may only have very limited data and details, that may also be fictitious and require us carrying out a more in-depth analysis to initially try and identify the person of interest first. This can often add a full day or two to the whole process.

Any legitimate Private Investigator should talk you through what they can do with the information you have, and therefore be able to also give you a breakdown of cost and timeframe involved. It is worth noting that most Private Investigator companies also work to strict timeframes. People traces are generally turned around within 2-3 days and background checks within a week. If you are chasing a company for results after many weeks and still nothing, you've more than likely been lead down the garden path, lied to and ripped off!

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Type of Investigation: The type of investigation needed affects the cost. Common services include surveillance, background checks, infidelity investigations, and fraud investigations. Surveillance, often required for cheating spouse cases or insurance fraud, tends to be on the higher end of the cost spectrum due to the time and resources involved, as mentioned above.

Location: The cost can also vary based on the location of the investigation. Larger cities or areas with higher living costs generally have higher private investigator fees. The cost of travelling around London for the day is higher than following someone to the cinema in Stoke on Trent for the evening.

Experience and Expertise: Experienced private investigators with a proven track record often charge higher rates. They bring a level of expertise and professionalism that may justify the higher cost. If someone is offering you their services for an unrealistically low price, how and why are they offering that? Has any of the above been taken into account? Are the even going to carry out the investigation? Or are they going to go at it alone armed with the latest I-phone and hope for the best. I'd say the latter is more likely and the client will end up with absolutely de-narda!

Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Private investigators need to adhere to legal and regulatory standards. Compliance with these standards may impact the overall cost, as it may require additional resources or specialized expertise.

Consultation Fees: Some private investigators charge a consultation fee for the initial meeting to discuss the case and assess its complexity. This fee is typically deducted from the total cost if you decide to hire them. We personally don't but having spoke to those who do, the idea is it get's rid of the time wasters, and those have no real intention of hiring a Private Investigator but are happy to take up several hours texting back and forth or on the end of the phone.

Customized Packages: Private investigators may offer customized packages based on the specific needs of the case. These packages can be bundle services and provide a more cost-effective solution for clients. We generally don't offer a package as such for surveillance, but may do so for block bookings of background checks and people traces. It's essential to communicate openly with us about your budget and expectations to ensure you receive the services you need within a reasonable cost framework. Always request a clear breakdown of fees and any potential additional costs that may arise during the investigation. It's important that you have a full understanding.

Remember, hiring a private investigator is an investment, and it's crucial to balance cost considerations with the need for reliable and accurate information. We understand that many want "just a picture" or piece of information, but to get that "just a picture" there is a whole process we must go through to get to that point. It involves time, planning, resources, people, skill, patience, equipment, and often plenty of caffeine!

As is always the case, ring around, do your research, check the company out on Google and Companies House, dig into their social media and reviews, get a feel for who you are talking to. Do your due-diligence. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't hand over you hard earned money and savings to the first person you came across via a paid ad, who then pushes you for your credit card details within minutes of being on the phone! In-fact, with those those types, run a mile!

As always, if you have any questions or queries and feel you may need some form of assistance or advice from a Private Investigator, don't hesitate to get in touch. We are always on hand and happy to at least advise!

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The Use Of Social Media Within UK Investigations.

By Daniel Smith • 10 Nov, 2023

The Role Of Social Media Within UK Investigations.

The Use Of Drones Within Private Investigations

By Daniel Anderson • 18 Aug, 2023

The Use Of Drones in Modern Day Surveillance And Investigations. We were out before the crack of dawn this morning carrying out a recce of a rural location in the Birmingham area, so as that we can conduct surveillance in the area, and safely over the coming weeks (yes Birmingham also has rural parts believe it or not). As I was driving back to the office, and stuck in that early morning, Birmingham city centre traffic, I thought, I know, I will write today's blog on the use of drones within the Private Investigations sector. So, here we go..... Technology has always played a pivotal role in unravelling mysteries and gathering crucial evidence for Private Investigators. The latest addition to a private investigator's toolkit is the drone—a sophisticated airborne tool that has revolutionized the field of surveillance and security over recent times. With their ability to provide a bird's-eye view, drones have quickly become an invaluable asset for private investigators, enhancing our capabilities and redefining the way investigations are conducted. The Rise of Drones in Private Investigation: Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have rapidly gained prominence in various industries, from filmmaking to agriculture. The private investigation sector has also embraced this technology due to its ability to access hard-to-reach areas and capture footage from unconventional angles. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, GPS tracking, and advanced manoeuvring capabilities, drones have changed the landscape of surveillance. Benefits of Drone-Assisted Surveillance: Enhanced Visuals: Drones provide a unique vantage point that is otherwise impossible to achieve. Investigators can capture high-definition imagery and video footage from above, helping to monitor subjects, locations, or events more effectively. Flexibility and Versatility: Drones can navigate through tight spaces, follow subjects discreetly, and switch between different locations rapidly, making them ideal for tracking movements or surveilling areas that are challenging to access on foot. Reduced Risk: In situations where physical surveillance may put investigators in harm's way, drones offer a safer alternative. They can monitor hazardous environments, dangerous individuals, or remote locations without exposing investigators to unnecessary risks. Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional surveillance methods often involve a team of investigators and extensive resources. Drones, on the other hand, require fewer personnel and can cover larger areas in less time, reducing operational costs. Real-Time Monitoring: Some drones allow for live streaming of footage, enabling investigators to monitor events as they unfold. This real-time access can be crucial for making quick decisions or adjusting the course of an investigation. Leading | Established | Award Winning Applications of Drone-Assisted Investigations: Cheating Spouse Investigations: Private investigators can use drones to monitor a subject's movements discreetly, capturing evidence of infidelity or suspicious behaviour in areas where we may not be able to access via vehicle or foot. Insurance Fraud Detection: Drones can provide visual evidence of property damage, accident scenes, or injury claims, helping insurance companies combat fraudulent claims. Corporate Espionage Prevention: Businesses can utilize drones to secure their premises, monitor unauthorized activities, and protect sensitive information. Legal Case Support: Drones can capture critical evidence, such as accident reconstruction, crime scenes, or environmental violations, that can strengthen legal cases. Missing Persons Search: Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can aid in locating missing individuals, especially in rugged and rural terrains or areas with poor visibility. Birmingham | London | Manchester Ethical and Legal Considerations: While drones offer remarkable advantages, their use in private investigations raises ethical and legal concerns. Invasion of privacy, trespassing, and surveillance without consent are issues that need careful consideration. Private investigators must adhere to local UK laws, regulations and licensing, governing drone use, obtain necessary permissions, and respect individuals' rights. As is always the case we must ensure that any evidence gathered is admissible in a UK court of law, and therefore it is especially important we adhere to all of the above and not break any laws! Conclusion: As technology continues to evolve, the world of private investigation evolves with it. Drones have opened new possibilities for private investigators, enabling them to gather crucial evidence, enhance surveillance, and overcome challenges that were once insurmountable. However, the responsible and ethical use of this technology remains paramount, ensuring that the benefits of drone-assisted investigations are harnessed while respecting individual rights and legal boundaries. The sky has truly become the limit for private investigators who seek to unravel the truth from above. If you want to know how may be able to assist you, do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always on the end of the phone and happy to advise. Dedicated | Diligent | Discreet

Fake Employee Sickness And Absenteeism

By Daniel Anderson • 14 Aug, 2023

The Role Of Private Investigators: In the modern corporate landscape, the issue of fake employee sickness has become a growing concern for businesses of all sizes throughout the UK. It costs companies ten's of millions of pounds every year and effects companies of all sizes. While the majority of employees genuinely require sick leave to recover from illnesses, there are instances where some might misuse this privilege. There are some instances where an employee may not be sick at all. This phenomenon not only affects productivity but also creates an environment of mistrust within the workplace. To combat this, many companies are turning to private investigators throughout the UK to uncover instances of fake employee sickness. We have seen a huge demand in such cases, more so throughout the last two years, post pandemic! Leading | Established | Award Winning In this blog, we delve into the world of employee sick leave fraud and explore the crucial role that private investigators play in detecting and gathering evidence of such deceitful practices. Understanding the Impact of Fake Employee Sickness: Fake employee sickness involves employees falsely claiming to be ill in order to take unplanned time off from work. This not only affects the overall productivity of the company but also disrupts team dynamics, strains resources, and can lead to resentment among colleagues who have to shoulder extra responsibilities. It will often be a financial drain too. Common Signs of Employee Sick Leave Fraud: Detecting fake sick leave can be challenging, as some employees are skilled at feigning illness. However, certain patterns and behaviours might indicate fraudulent claims. These include frequent Monday or Friday absences, unverified medical certificates, inconsistent symptoms, and a history of similar patterns. We find with most of our cases reports of fraudulent claims usually come from within, where one employee has gotten wind of it and then reported the 'rumours' to the hierarchy above. Dedicated | Diligent | Discreet The Role of Private Investigators - What can we do? Private investigators bring a specialized skill set to the table when it comes to uncovering fraudulent sick leave claims. We use a combination of surveillance, background checks, and investigative techniques to verify the authenticity of an employee's claim. This might involve discreetly observing the employee's activities during their alleged sick leave, cross-referencing medical documentation, and interviewing colleagues to gather evidence and intelligence. More often than not a few days surveillance with photographic evidence to go with, usually does the trick. Evidence provided can then then be used to proceed with an instant dismal if the employee is found to be making fraudulent claims about their health and mobility. We have also had cases where our client has taken legal action against the employee to recover salary paid long term under the illusion of being sick and incapacitated. Balancing Employee Privacy and Fraud Detection: While it's important to protect the company's interests, it's equally crucial to respect the privacy of employees. Private investigators must conduct our activities in compliance with legal and ethical guidelines to ensure that we do not infringe upon an employee's rights. Striking the right balance between fraud detection and employee privacy is a delicate task. We must however ensure all our evidence is proof beyond reasonable doubt and admissible in a UK court of law if required. Prevention and Creating a Trustworthy Environment: To discourage fake employee sickness, companies can implement preventive measures. These include clear sick leave policies, requiring medical certificates for extended absences, and fostering a workplace culture where open communication is encouraged. By creating an environment of trust and transparency, employees are less likely to resort to fraudulent practices. In conclusion, fake employee sick leave poses a significant challenge to modern businesses. The role of private investigators in uncovering such deceit cannot be underestimated. By utilizing their skills and techniques, companies can maintain a productive workforce while fostering an environment of trust and accountability. However, it's vital to ensure that all investigations are conducted within legal and ethical boundaries to protect both the company's interests and the rights of the employees. If you suspect an employee may be fraudulently claiming sickness, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Birmingham based office to see how we my be able to help you. London | Birmingham | Manchester

Removing the Veil: Fraudsters Within the Private Investigations industry.

By Daniel Anderson • 12 Aug, 2023

The Sad Truth And Reality!

A Little Bit More About Our Background Checks

By Daniel Anderson • 11 Aug, 2023

Unveiling The Layers Of Background Checks In The UK....

The Public Perception vs The Reality

By Daniel Smith • 11 Aug, 2023

The 5 Most Common Myths, Debunked! Private Investigators are like the ones in the movies..... I wish, wouldn't that just be super cool? Contrary to popular belief and portrayals in movies and TV shows, Private Investigators don't always engage in thrilling, high-speed car chases and dangerous stunts. Our work, for the most part, involves lot's of research, static surveillance and documentation. A typical surveillance day may start before dawn, and then include a two hour drive to the job. Then eight, ten or twelve hours carrying out surveillance, with a two hour drive home, depending on where the surveillance concludes. In some cases we may end up two, or three hours further away. Sometimes we may end up closer to home. We then need to get home, download the footage and compile and in-depth and legally binding report for the client. It can often be the early hours of the morning before it's "lights out", only to wake up and do it all again a few hours later..... An eight hour surveillance job can very easily become a fourteen or fifteen hour day, from start to finish. That eight hours of surveillance may be completely static, watching someone's front door. It may be a mobile job that requires mobile surveillance throughout both urban and rural areas. It may require foot surveillance via way of public transport. It may even require a mix of all of the above. Take into account the good old British weather too, January, February time, it's dark, wet and miserable...Need I say anymore.... We do encounter those job's that may get the endorphins going, but in truth, they are few and far between and nothing like the latest James Bond movie, quite the opposite infact! Dedicated | Diligent | Discreet Private Investigators have unlimited access to information...... The term "unlimited" I would suggest is a slight exaggeration. We have access to private systems and databases that allow us to obtain data. We have to be vetted to use these databases and pay a large premium for doing so - it is not cheap! A common myth is that we can hack into phones. This cannot be done remotely, and if it could, it would be highly illegal. Wouldn't that be great though, if we could, we would never have to leave home or Birmingham office and would simply obtain everything we need by magically pressing a button that would allow us instant access to a subject's phone, wherever they may be throughout the UK.....There wouldn't be many of us left though, as we would all be serving time at His Majesty's pleasure....I talk about this a lot, if any company is offering this service, please, run a mile, you may as-well throw your money out the window. They may sound very believable, and dazzle you with lot's of technical jargon, but I can assure you, it will be a scam! Any data we obtain, whether it be for a very basic trace or a more in-depth background check is done so legally and ethically, and within the law. Every document we produce, we do so with the view of it being potentially used for legal proceedings, and therefore being admissible in a UK court of law. A large part of the data obtained is also done via OSINT methods. OSINT stands for Open Source Intelligence and is the act of gathering and analysing publicly available data for intelligence and investigative purposes. It's important to remember, whatever we do we must follow and adhere to legal and ethical guidelines! Leading | Established | Award Winning We can break the law...... Professional and legitimate Private Investigator companies should always adhere to the law. Although the industry is still unregulated, we have guidelines and processes that we must adhere to. The Regulation of Investigatory Act 2000 , also known as RIPPA is one of the main acts/guidelines that we must adhere to. It essentially governs the use of covert surveillance by public (and undercover bodies). For example, we can't film through people's windows, we can't climb a tree in someone's back garden and sit there snapping away, we can't sit on someone's private property and film without consent, we can't film or deploy devices under doors, or through letter boxes, we can't gain access to someone's house or vehicle without their consent. It may all seem like common sense, but believe me, we take enquiries almost daily where the client expects the above....I'll perhaps do another blog at a later date that is specifically orientated around the law, what we can and cant do, and the grey areas we often fall into (vehicle tracking being one of those). Essentially we cannot engage in anything that may be deemed illegal - trespassing, invasion of privacy, harassment, hacking, wire tapping to name a few. Filming in the public domain, covertly or overtly without breaching any of the above is absolutely fine and most professionals who work within the industry are able to do so in order to obtain the evidence required. London | Birmingham | Manchester We always wear disguises...... There is actually a small element of truth in this. Disguises may be used and worn occasionally, but most of the time, investigators prioritize blending into the surroundings to gather information discreetly. We often think about where we are going and the local demographic in that area. For example, if I am on a surveillance job in the back streets of Stoke-on-Trent, with a good possibility of a foot follow into the local shopping centre, I will dress very differently to a surveillance job that I am on in Central London, where the subject is thought to be dining at the Bulgari Hotel, or the likes of. It all boils down prior planning, and having that knowledge and experience to be able to adapt and dress according to the situation and location. Of course, there may be times when we have been following a subject all day, and we then need to change our appearance. Caps, glasses, change of top or shoes usually does the trick and can be done if carried in a 'go bag'. Most Private Investigators will also have a box of 'props' in their car. These may be used for door knocks or tricky Op's where we simply can't plot up discreetly and covertly without giving anyway exposure..... Have you ever wondered, is that guy sat on that grassy area at the edge of the village really carrying out a traffic survey...... Local | National | International The work is glamourous..... This is generally not the case. I would say 'interesting, demanding and stressful' would be better fitting adjectives to use. Investigative work involves a lot of patience, research and documentation. It involves long periods of time being sat still and often alone, in silence. It is certainly not as glamourous as it is portrayed in the media and on television. In some instances we may be starting work before dawn, we may be working through the night and in risky areas. Take into account the weather too. When it's 35c and your sat in your vehicle that has now turned itself into a sauna. We can't just start up the engine and turn the AC on. We of course have fans and cool boxes filled to the brim with cold drinks and ice, but at best, that just makes it ever so slightly more bearable. The same in winter when it's -5c outside. Although I personally find it easier to keep warm when it's cold, as opposed to trying to cool down when it's ridiculously hot. It can have an affect on one's health too. I look fifteen years my senior and carry a few extra pounds through the many thousands of hours sat on the back seat of my car. You'll be doing well if you can find a surveillance operative who is in tip top condition and looking anything other than 10 years his or her senior - I think most in the industry will agree..... Remember, Private Investigators play a vital role in various fields, often working diligently behind the scenes to gather accurate and reliable information within the boundaries of the law. As I mentioned above, it is vitally important that all evidence produced is done so legally and therefore admissible in a UK court of law. It's also important to remember that there is time involved with planning every investigation. Often several hours prior to an investigation starting, and then travelling to and from the investigation start and finish location, along with client updates and calls and then the compiling of the evidence via way of report once home, which, depending on the size of the investigation and amount of footage obtained can often take between three and four hours, without any hiccups....If you're booked in for the next day, it's lights out, usually in the early hours, to wake up several hours later and do it all again! The price quoted for any job should reflect all of the above too. If someone is quoting you a days surveillance for the price of a pair of new trainers, are you really getting all of the above? Are you getting a professional service, probably not! Likewise, if you are being quoted many thousands of pounds for a day or two's investigation, find out why, ask for a breakdown of costings! Anyway, I'm going slightly off topic here. To summarize, the public perception and reality of the Private Investigations industry are worlds apart. I could probably write twenty common myths, but with blog writing not being my forte, I will happily leave it at that! I hope this gives a small insight into the daily goings on. Private Investigations is not so much a job, but a way of life!

How to find a Private Investigator

By Dan Anderson • 28 May, 2022

Private Investigators are still not regulated in the UK and therefore there is no law that states how they should conduct business or which bodies they have to register with. You have to know that you can trust an investigator if you are going to allow them access to your lives or business.