Surveillance
Our teams follow movements and meetings from public places. They use photos, video and clear notes to build a reliable timeline.
View surveillance servicesPrivate Detective Services Across the UK
If you need facts about a partner, person or firm, speak to a private detective. We listen first and only suggest work that fits the question. UKPI covers surveillance, tracing, background checks, relationship cases, company enquiries and suspected fraud across the UK. We check that every case has a lawful purpose. We keep your information private and explain the findings in plain English. Call 0800 043 1754 or send a short enquiry to discuss the safest next step without obligation.
Professional membership
IAAR, UK-PSA and SoFI members.
ICO registered
Your personal data is handled under UK law.
Dedicated investigator
One person manages your case from start to finish.
Nationwide cover
Investigators work across the UK.
How Our Private Detectives Can Help
Private investigator and detective describe the same profession in the UK. On this page we use detective terminology, while the homepage remains the main guide for clients searching for an investigator.
You may need to confirm whether a partner is being honest, locate someone who has moved, check a person or company before making a commitment, investigate suspected fraud or document activity for a legal matter. The right approach depends on what you need to establish and how the findings may be used.
We first assess the purpose, the information already available and the lawful methods that could answer the question. We do not hack accounts, intercept private communications, trespass or obtain protected records unlawfully. If the work is inappropriate or unlikely to produce a reliable result, we will say so before you spend money.
Private Detective Services
Choose the service closest to your situation. Each page explains the evidence available, likely timescale and next step.
People Tracing
Find a missing person, debtor, beneficiary or former contact. Our tracing team uses lawful records and checks that the result matches the right person.
View people tracing servicesBackground Checks
Check a person's identity, work history, addresses or business links before you make a hiring, personal or commercial decision.
View background check servicesRelationship Investigations
Get clear facts about infidelity, online dating concerns or other relationship questions. We use discreet and proportionate methods.
View relationship servicesCorporate Investigations
Look into staff conduct, conflicts, theft of ideas or due diligence concerns without causing needless disruption to your day to day work.
View corporate servicesFraud Investigations
Test a suspicious claim, payment or act through record checks, interviews and lawful observation when the case calls for it.
View fraud servicesWhat Happens When You Instruct Us
The scope changes from case to case, but the decision and reporting process stays clear.
1
Confidential consultation
Tell an investigator what has happened and what you need to establish. The first conversation is free and carries no obligation.
2
Scope and quote
We assess the lawful options, explain the likely timescale and agree the work and cost in writing before anything begins.
3
Investigation
A dedicated investigator coordinates the agreed work, keeps the enquiry proportionate and updates you at the level agreed at the start.
4
Findings and report
You receive the confirmed findings, supporting material and any limitations in a clear format that you can discuss with your adviser if required.
Lawful methods protect both you and the value of the findings. Our team can observe activity visible in public, trace people through permitted sources, review supplied material and document what can be verified. Criminal allegations should be reported to the police, and we will not accept instructions that depend on illegal access, harassment or deception.
Why Clients Choose UKPI
You need clear advice, careful handling and facts that stand up to scrutiny. These standards apply from the first call to the final report.
Established experience
UKPI has worked on private, business and legal cases since 1997.
Professional membership
UKPI is a member of IAAR, UK-PSA and SoFI. We can show the details if asked.
Lawful data handling
UKPI is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office. We handle personal data under UK law.
One accountable contact
One investigator manages the work, keeps you informed and delivers the final report.
UKPI works across the UK through its national network. Each case follows the same rules for privacy and evidence. You can find local details on our location pages.
The cost depends on the service, time and number of investigators needed. We give you a written scope and price before we start. See the private investigator costs page for current guide rates and payment terms.
Client Feedback
Existing feedback from clients who instructed UKPI.
★★★★★
Professional, discreet and thorough. The report our investigator provided was exactly what my solicitor needed.
★★★★★
They traced someone I had been trying to locate for years. Within a week I had a confirmed address.
Start Your Confidential Enquiry
Tell us briefly what you need to establish. An investigator will review the information and explain the lawful options before you decide whether to proceed.
- Free initial conversation
- Dedicated investigator
- Handled in confidence
Prefer to talk now? Call 0800 043 1754, lines open 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
A detective gathers facts and evidence for individuals, businesses and legal professionals. The work can include surveillance, tracing, background checks, relationship matters, fraud enquiries and corporate investigations, using lawful methods agreed for the case.
Yes. The service is lawful when the instruction has a legitimate purpose and the methods comply with privacy, data protection and other relevant law. We assess the purpose before accepting work and refuse inappropriate requests.
The cost depends on the service and scope. Some tracing and checking work has a fixed fee, while surveillance depends on time and the number of operatives required. We provide a written quote before work begins.
Findings may support legal proceedings when they are relevant and gathered lawfully. We document the work and explain any limitations. Your solicitor decides how the material should be used in a particular case.
Yes. Your enquiry and case information are handled in confidence, subject to legal obligations. Access is limited to the people who need it for the agreed work, and a dedicated investigator manages communication with you.