What can a UK Private Investigator do?

Private Investigations That Local Private Detective Agencies In The UK Are Legally Allowed to Conduct

Increasing crime numbers in the UK has reduced citizens’ trust in government investigation bodies and authorities.

More and more members of the public are turning to work with a UK private investigator whom they trust to gather information or evidence without being biased.  Usually this is either gathering evidence to submit for a crime that has been committed, or a personal family and/or relationship issue.

As a result, private investigators are approached with several types of cases, Just like all careers, private investigators have boundaries and laws that govern their operations.

Here are some of the types of work that Watkins Ward undertake:‍

Finding missing persons

Private investigator companies UK are legally permitted to search for people missing intentionally or unintentionally. So, long as a person’s family reports their loved one as missing because they have not communicated for long and they do not know where the person lives, a private detective can be hired to locate the person. On the other hand, a person can be reported as missing by a business partner or person they owed money. People relocate, change contact details and names to avoid paying huge debts. Other missing person investigations include; former tenants who did not clear rent arrears, a contractor who did poor work or disappeared without completing their work, a former spouse who refused to pay child support, an old friend or a lost family member.

Child support investigations

Child support cases are rampant in the United Kingdom; no parent wishes to be separated from their child. However, it is the tough reality that one parent faces especially after a divorce. Before facing the tough reality, parents are allowed to hire a local private investigator to gather evidence that the other parent is not fit to raise a child on their own. The private detective may also prove that the child may be unsafe or unhappy if custody is offered to the other parent. Judges consider the child’s best interest when ruling on custody cases.

Finding missing assets and property

It is common for people to hide some assets from their spouses or business partners, especially when undergoing divorce or business liquidation. In such scenarios, private investigators conduct asset and property searches to locate and sometimes value the hidden or undisclosed assets. Missing property or asset searches also prove relevant when filing for child support from a wealthy partner, when considering a business partnership with an unknown individual, and when vetting creditors.

Conducting background checks

A UK private investigator is hired by potential employers, future spouses, new business partners, divorcing partners and civil case participants to conduct background checks on individuals. Background checks put to light a person’s character, integrity level, financial status, credibility, criminal history and trustworthiness.

Though people have embraced the role played by private investigators, there are limits that the investigators cannot surpass. Their operation is governed by the law, and they are not allowed to trespass, make arrests or make a person feel insecure because they are being followed. Keep this in mind when hiring your next local private investigator.

Watkins Ward are an established, award winning UK practice; providing a range of professional private investigator services.  Use the menu above to see more.