Private investigation Services

How exactly do you judge the ‘Best Private Investigation Firm’?

September 21, 2024 by pdldevv2 Leave a Comment

If you’re reading this right now, there’s a very good chance that you’ve just searched for something like ‘the best private investigation firm in London or the UK’.

And, of course, if you do actually need to hire a private investigator, that’s precisely the sort of search term to use.

But will Google always serve up the ‘best private investigation firm’ for the specific issue you have on your mind?

Maybe. But then again, maybe not.

Let me explain.

In the world of private investigations, there are classic scenarios that – to all intents and purposes – appear to be similar. On the surface at least.

Missing persons, for example. Suspected infidelity. Counter-surveillance. Finding valuable stolen assets. Etc. Etc. They’re the bread and butter of the private investigator’s world – the sort of task any private investigator ought to be able to do in their sleep.

But when you dig deeper into some other less common scenarios, the more thought you may need to put into finding the best private investigator for that particular niche.

In other words, you may have to look for someone who specialises in the type of investigation you need.

Let’s be honest, though. The vast majority of private detectives out there, will have excellent reputations and will do a terrific job for you. And the chances are that they will all have enough of the relevant background experience to carry out the task in hand successfully.

Furthermore, of course, they’ll all have the discretion, integrity and resourcefulness needed to be successful in this profession in the first place.

However, it could be a little difficult for the average person to know exactly which investigator to pick when you want the ‘best detective’ for your particular case.

So, here’s some quick food for thought. When checking out who to choose, see if their experience ties in closely with what you need. Check their websites closely and see if any of their case studies resembles your particular scenario.

And here’s a little list that might be helpful. It’s the Top 10 ‘specialities’ that private investigators carry out. I hope it makes you aware of the types of investigations where proven experience is a big advantage right from the off.

For example, it may not be the case that the best ‘infidelity’ investigator will necessarily be the right person to follow up on ‘international corporate fraud’ concerns!

So, to wrap up, when you’re looking to find the best investigator for a particular issue, the very first investigator on the case may actually be you as you begin to check the various websites out there.

Hope your search is a fruitful one! Here’s that list I mentioned.

Background Checks – Private investigators can conduct thorough background checks, ranging from simple to complex, to uncover criminal history, previous aliases, or verify information provided during a job application or interview.
Bug Sweep & Detection/Counter-Surveillance – In this investigation, the investigator performs electronic and manual sweeps of specific areas to detect hidden recording devices or gps trackers.
Domestic – These investigators handle cases like child support or custody disputes, often employing surveillance techniques to gather evidence.
Due Diligence – Primarily for corporate clients, due diligence investigations are conducted to support business transactions and ensure informed decision-making.
Process Serving – This can often be a very crucial part of the legal process and typically involves ‘serving’ legal letters or court documents on individuals in cases where that ‘serving’ – and proof of it – is needed.
Financial – These investigators compile detailed financial background reports to provide insights into an individual’s or organisation’s financial history.
Fraud – Often working for companies such as insurance firms, fraud investigators specialize in uncovering instances of fraud where someone is attempting to obtain financial gain deceitfully.
Infidelity/Cheating Spouse – Classified as domestic investigations, these cases involve high-level surveillance to confirm whether a spouse or partner is engaging in extramarital activities.
International Investigations – Many private detective companies are asked to work on cases that cross country borders. This can be for many reasons and can involve complex issues regarding differing jurisdictions and legal processes. A proven international reach and trusted global network is recommended for this type of investigation.
Missing Persons/Locating People – Investigators use a range of methods to find missing persons or track down individuals who have intentionally left without a trace, aiming to determine their current location.

If you are interested in any of the above types of investigations, anywhere in London or across the UK, get in touch with us here at Private Detective London. We’ll be happy to help and advise on the best way forward for you.

Call +44(0)20 3747 1865 or drop me an email in the strictest confidence.

Cheating partner or spouse? We will uncover the truth

January 4, 2017 by pdldevv2

Cheating Partner? Matrimonial Investigation.

One of the harshest truths someone may have to face up to is whether or not they’re with a cheating partner. The consequences of infidelity can be devastating.

Most people will recognise that living with their doubts is not a viable option. Perhaps you’ve suspected that your partner is seeing someone else for some time. Has your partner suddenly lost interest? Has his or her behaviour changed? Perhaps there is other suspicious behaviour you have noticed. Are you really being cheated on? Or are you just imagining that your partner is being unfaithful?

These are all questions Private Detective London (PDL) clients have asked themselves. Getting conclusive proof of infidelity is another matter. This is where the services of a private detective come in. This may sound like a drastic measure, but the discreet services offered by a professional investigator can be the most efficient and cost-effective way to provide the information you need. The best way to ease your mind once and for all.

A tailored solution

An experienced private detective knows that no two cases are the same. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to get the evidence required to prove or disprove infidelity. If convenient, one of the senior detectives at our Private Detective Agency can meet with a client. They’ll establish the individual circumstances of the case, and see what grounds the client has to be suspicious of a possible cheating partner. An appropriate plan of action will then be created and acted on.

Considering divorce proceedings?

If divorce proceedings are being considered by the client, proof of infidelity provided by an investigator should be both conclusive and incontestable. But even where legal action is not envisaged, the quality of evidence has to be such that the client is left in no doubt where the truth lies. Only then, will he or she be able to make an informed decision about what is best to do next. PDL has the expertise required to ensure no stone is left uncovered and no ‘T’ is left uncrossed.

What a matrimonial private investigation entails

As we have already stated, no two matrimonial investigations are the same. It, therefore, follows that the methods used by our trusted private investigators are likely to differ from case to case. Strategies will be formed so that the best results are obtained. For example, vehicle tracking can be used to see where a partner goes over the course of a few days or weeks and what, if any, pattern emerges.

Covert surveillance is another technique our private investigators will use to find out who a partner is seeing. This will be substantiated with photographic and digital evidence where possible. PDL’s leading private investigators will also be equipped to carry out mobile phone forensics, where appropriate, while always operating within legal boundaries. In short, we will deploy all the tools available to get the kind of proof the client requests.

Don’t leave it to chance, get in touch with PDL today; at our London office. we’re waiting for your call: +44(0)203 747 1865 o

Corporate Fraud: How to protect your business

January 1, 2017 by pdldevv2

With corporate fraud on the rise, it’s crucial to ensure your business is protected in the modern age. Here’s some information on the ways that corporate fraud can operate, and how best to protect yourself.

Consider The Modern World

Arguably – in this modern, technological world – we know more about each other than ever before. However, the flipside to this is that there can be great difficulty verifying information or put simply – knowing what we can believe. We’re also in an age of unprecedented global mobility. These two factors in conjunction mean modern businesses – of all kinds, from sole trader to international corporation – face many challenges.

Internal Fraud

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for businesses large and small to face the threat of internal corporate fraud – that is to say, fraud from within the organisation itself. The most common forms of this strand of corporate fraud include financial theft, data theft, or overall abuse of a position by an employee or group of employees.

It’s important to remember that by definition it is usually those in positions of trust who are able to commit fraud. A fraudulent individual usually requires some autonomy to be able to act in a fraudulent manner.

We also advise corporate clients concerned about potential internal fraud to be mindful of which employees or partners might be under increased pressure, which is often a major factor in pushing a predisposed individual towards any fraudulent activity. Of course, it’s good practice in general to be trying to alleviate pressure within your organisation where possible.

Background Checks

Background checks are part of essential risk assessment. Before signing important contracts, agreeing to high-stakes deals, or giving job offers, background checks can be both useful and reassuring – whether you have specific concerns, or are simply undertaking thorough due diligence.

As an employer it’s important to establish what it is you need to know before being happy to commit to any agreement of a business-sensitive nature. Read more on our background checking services

Discretion Is Key

At PDL, discretion is key in everything we do. However, the necessity for the utmost discretion is something we often have to remind corporate clients when they’re attempting to uncover and prosecute fraudulent individuals who pose a threat to their business.

In order for any fraudulent individual to be successfully prosecuted – and any assets recovered – it’s essential that evidence is gathered and fraudulent individuals are identified in the most professional and inconspicuous manner.

We are here to advise further on discretion and all other aspects of handling corporate fraud investigation. If you need our assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Ongoing Disputes

Disputes can vary in nature and magnitude, but they all can drain resources and impact upon your ability to manage business as usual. It’s important that any ongoing disputes – including legal issues, partnership disagreements, and so on – are handled professionally throughout, to bring matters to a satisfactory close.

Bespoke Solutions

Remember that every case requires a bespoke solution. Situations should be judged on the evidence, and solutions found with the protection of your business firmly in mind. We don’t give catch-all advice because we prefer to analyse the specifics of a case and deal with its details up-close. You may require data forensics, for example, or vehicle tracking. It might be surveillance, or background checking. The key is that the circumstances themselves indicate the best course of action.

Monitoring, Early Detection, and Process

We’ve worked on many corporate fraud cases in our history, and it has become apparent that by far the most effective way to prevent corporate fraud either from occurring, or from escalating or causing irreparable damage, relates to good monitoring, early detection, and establishing processes to handle any relevant cases.

Of course, what this specifically means is different from company to company, but what doesn’t change is that the first question we’ll ask an organisation concerned about preventing corporate fraud is – what process do you have in place to ensure good monitoring and early detection of any initial warning signs of impending fraud?

To discuss how we can help you prevent or resolve corporate fraud, please call us on:

+44(0)203 747 1865