Private Investigator London & UK Helping You Find the Truth Without Stress, Exposure, or Risk
UK Private Investigators has been operating since 1997. The business is owned by Timothy Burchell and has traded under the same name for over 28 years.
We provide private investigation services across London, throughout the United Kingdom, and internationally where required. Our investigators work discreetly and within the law. Confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Our role is simple. We establish facts. We gather lawful evidence. We present our findings clearly so you can make informed decisions.
UK Private Investigators is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and complies fully with UK law, including GDPR and the Data Protection Act. Every investigation is handled professionally and ethically, with privacy protected throughout.
If you are unsure what to do next, you can speak directly with an experienced investigator for confidential advice.
Freephone: 0800 043 1754
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- ICO Registration
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
- Media Mentions
Why People Hire a Private Investigator in London
Living with uncertainty can be difficult. Many people contact us after weeks or months of worry. At that point, guesswork is no longer enough.
Clients contact UK Private Investigators for many reasons, including:
- Concerns about a partner’s behaviour
- Suspected infidelity
- Locating a missing person
- Tracing an individual
- Obtaining evidence for legal matters
- Protecting a business from risk
In many cases, clients have already tried other options. They want clear answers. They want reliable information.
We take time to understand each situation. Every case is assessed carefully. Our investigators focus on facts rather than assumptions and work only within the law.
Discretion is central to our work. You do not need to worry about unnecessary exposure. Findings are handled properly and shared only with you.
What a Private Investigator Can Legally Do in the UK
Private investigators in the UK must follow strict legal rules. Evidence must be gathered lawfully. Anything obtained illegally cannot be used.
Methods We Use
At UK Private Investigators, we use lawful and ethical methods only. Depending on the case, investigative work may include:
- Research using publicly available information
- Open-source intelligence enquiries
- Surveillance in public places where permitted
- Speaking with relevant individuals
- Tracing people and verifying addresses
- Background checks and due diligence enquiries
- Supporting legal processes such as process serving
What We Cannot Do
Private investigators cannot:
- Hack private accounts or devices
- Access bank or medical records unlawfully
- Enter private property without permission
- Intercept calls, messages, or communications
Private Investigator Services
UK Private Investigators provides investigation services for personal, legal, and business matters. Each case is handled with care, discretion, and professionalism.
Personal Investigations
We regularly assist with:
Business & Corporate Investigations
We support businesses and professionals with:
Specialist & Supporting Services
Where lawful and appropriate, we also provide:
Each case is reviewed individually. We explain what can realistically be achieved before any work begins.
Why Clients Trust Our Private Detectives in London
UK Private Investigators has built its reputation over more than 28 years.
Each case is handled properly and within the law. Confidential information is protected at all times. Our aim is to provide clear evidence and honest advice.
Clients trust us because:
- We have an established and verifiable trading history
- Many operatives come from senior police, military, or specialist backgrounds
- Clients deal directly with their investigator
- Communication is clear and ongoing
- Evidence is presented objectively
We do not exaggerate outcomes. We explain what can be done and what cannot. This approach has resulted in long-standing client relationships and repeat instructions.
How Much Does a Private Investigator Cost in London?
The cost of hiring a private investigator depends on the type of investigation, its complexity, and the time involved.
Costs may vary based on:
- The type of investigation required
- The level of complexity involved
- Travel and operational logistics
- The time and resources needed
We also work in major UK cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bristol, and Glasgow, as well as rural locations where required.
For overseas or cross-border enquiries, we work with a trusted international network. The same legal and professional standards apply.
Private Investigator Covering London & UK Wide
Although based in London, UK Private Investigators operates throughout the United Kingdom.
We regularly handle cases across Greater London, including:
- Westminster
- Camden
- Islington
- Southwark
- Kensington & Chelsea
Some services may be suitable for fixed pricing. More complex investigations, such as surveillance, are usually charged based on time and resources.
We provide free consultations and explain costs clearly before any work begins. There are no unexpected charges. Our aim is to provide good value without compromising quality or discretion.
How The Investigation Process Works
Our process is clear, structured, and confidential.
Free confidential consultation
We listen carefully and ask relevant questions. This allows us to understand your situation.
Case assessment
We explain what can be done lawfully. We also explain what cannot be done. Timescales and costs are discussed.
Investigation plan
If you proceed, we agree a clear and lawful investigation plan.
Investigation work
Your investigator carries out the work discreetly. Updates are provided where appropriate.
Evidence and reporting
You receive a clear report. It includes findings, dates, and supporting evidence so you can decide your next steps. All information is handled in strict confidence.
Real-World Investigation Scenarios
Clients contact us during difficult situations. These situations often involve stress, emotion, or time pressure.
Some clients are concerned about a partner. Others are trying to locate a missing loved one. Some are business owners seeking to protect their company.
We have handled complex cases involving surveillance, detailed background checks, and urgent enquiries. Every case is approached with responsibility and care.
What matters most is clear evidence and reliable facts. That is what we provide.
Ready To Speak To A Private Investigator?
Contacting a private investigator is not always easy. A confidential conversation can help you understand your position and the best way forward. Speak with an experienced investigator who understands how these cases are handled.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Contact us
Frequently asked questions
What is the job of a private investigator?
A Private investigator will have a very varied workload, with many specialising in areas of infidelity or finding people. We offer a wide and varied range of investigation services to our clients, from discreet people surveillance and background checks through to identifying fraud, conducting discreet and comprehensive due diligence investigations and tracing missing people, even pets.
We can find information about specific people very quickly using specialised tools and techniques, perfected over many years of investigating. Many of our PI’s will also spend much of their day uncovering background information by running background check investigations, asking questions and analysing information to assist with a case, conforming to general data protection. Take a look at our commonly asked questions.
Is it legal to hire a private investigator?
Yes, hiring a private investigator in the UK is legal, as long as the private investigator abides by the law. Private investigators must operate within legal frameworks such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
Do private investigators need a licence?
What can a private investigator legally do?
In the UK, a private investigator can legally do a range of things during their investigation, including:
- Access records – PIs are legally within the jurisdiction to carry out a background check on the person they are investigating. However, this is restricted to publicly available records like criminal records, court documents, and other public information.
- Interviews – private investigators in the UK can find out information on a person through family and friends or word of mouth.
- Surveillance – private investigators have a legal right to follow or track a person on foot or in a vehicle. This provides them with information regarding their case.
- Direct and indirect interaction – this can involve directly interacting with the individual in question by going undercover.
- Search licence plate numbers – PIs are able to search licence plate numbers for specific investigations, but there is a limit on how far this can be used.
Can private investigators conduct background checks?
Yes, private investigators can conduct background checks, making them an ideal solution if, for example, you want to find out more about the person you’re dating online.
Can private investigators obtain information on a person through their social media accounts?
Yes, PIs can use an individual’s social media accounts to gather information, however this information must be publicly available, they must not hack into a person’s social media account.
Is private investigation confidential?
What can a private investigator not do in the UK?
Although PIs have a lot of flexibility in their investigations, there are some things that are illegal for private investigators in the UK:
- Trespass – private investigators cannot step foot onto private properties without the owner’s permission. It’s illegal for a PI to break into a house for data.
- Make arrests – private investigators aren’t usually allowed to make arrests.
- Track someone with GPS – some conditions allow PIs to use GPS to monitor a person, for example if the owner of the car authorises the PI to use GPS tracking on it, however it is illegal without consent.
- Retrieve phone records – private investigators cannot hack any type of technology such as phones, laptops, email, or social media.
- Acquire medical records – other peoples medical records are not accessible to PIs.
- Obtain credit information – PIs cannot access a person’s personal credit information, if they do, they will be breaking the law.
Can private investigators testify in court?
How long does an investigation usually take?
What evidence can legally be gathered by private investigators?
Private investigators can legally acquire:
- Photos and videos from public places
- Witness statements
- Publicly available information such as from databases and social media
All evidence must be collected lawfully.
Is it worth hiring a private investigator to find a person?
You may have tried online resources such as the voters roll to no avail. If this is the case, then talk to us, as we have access to multiple non-public sources, which enable us to find a person where others have failed and generally within a few hours. Our fees are very
competitive and service levels second to none.
If you need to find a person, get in contact with us and we will be happy to provide you with a bespoke quote. Talk to us for free on 0800 043 1754.
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