Your trusted UK Private Investigators
Why Clients Choose Bluemoon
With over 40 years’ experience, we’re trusted by professionals and private clients across the UK to deliver results with discretion.
✅ Proven track record across the UK
Reliable results for legal, corporate, and private cases.
🛡️ Confidential & compliant
Every case handled discreetly and within UK law.
📄 Clear evidence
Court-ready intelligence that supports informed decisions.
⚡ Fast turnaround
Urgent cases handled quickly with a dedicated case manager.
Discreet and professional UK Private Investigators
We provide a full range of professional investigation solutions designed to give you clarity, evidence, and peace of mind
📍 People tracing & debtor location
Locate missing individuals or debtors nationwide.
📑 Process serving
Swift, compliant delivery of legal documents.
🕵️ Surveillance
Covert monitoring with clear photographic or video evidence.
🪪 Background checks
Detailed reports on people or businesses for peace of mind.
Proven Track Record
With over 40 years in private investigations, we’ve supported solicitors, insurers, businesses, and private clients across the UK.
UK-Wide Network
Our investigators and process servers operate nationwide, combining local knowledge with national reach for fast, effective results.
Trusted & Compliant
Every case is handled with complete discretion and full compliance with UK laws and data protection standards.
Fast Turnaround
We know deadlines matter. From urgent people traces to time-sensitive legal instructions, our team works quickly and delivers court-ready evidence.
Process Serving UK
We deliver legal documents quickly, discreetly, and in full compliance with UK Civil Procedure Rules. Every instruction includes proof of service.
✅ CPR-compliant service
✅ Nationwide coverage with our local servers
✅ Transparent, fixed fees — prices from £110
People Tracing UK
We specialise in tracing missing people and debtors quickly. Our No Trace, No Fee policy means you only pay when we deliver verified results.
✅ GDPR-compliant methods
✅ Court-ready forwarding addresses
✅ Transparent, fixed fees — prices from £250
Surveillance UK
We provide discreet surveillance to uncover facts with clarity and precision. Our experienced investigators gather, court-ready evidence to support your case.
✅ Covert monitoring with clear reporting
✅ Skilled investigators across the UK
✅ Transparent, fixed fees — prices from £595
PI Services UK
We provide a full range of investigation solutions for solicitors, businesses, and private clients. Our team delivers, compliant, and results-driven support in the UK.
✅ Nationwide coverage with local expertise
✅ Trusted by legal and corporate clients
✅ Over 40 years of investigative experience
Trusted Nationwide Since 1981
40
Years experience in UK private investigations
10,138
Cases successfully completed nationwide
98.7%
Success rate on tracing instructions
110
Cities covered across England, Scotland & Wales

We offer a comprehensive suite of investigative services tailored to address a variety of situations.

View our most recent work to help better understand how we could help your investigative needs.

Learn more about Bluemoon Investigations and why we're trusted by so many to deliver the impossible.

Contact us today for help and advice regarding your private investigator needs and get the help you need.
📩 Contact Bluemoon Investigations
All enquiries are 100% confidential and handled with discretion. No obligation.
📍 Our Head Office
71–75 Shelton Street, London, WC2H 9JQ
📩 Contact Bluemoon Investigations
All enquiries are 100% confidential and handled with discretion. No obligation.
☎️ 0800 086 2270
✉️ info@bluemooninvestigations.co.uk
✅ Over 40 years of investigative experience
✅ Trusted by solicitors, insurers, and SMEs nationwide
Private Investigator UK: Your Guide to Expert Investigation Services

Bluemoon Investigations — trusted UK private investigators since 1981 — provide nationwide tracing, surveillance, and process serving, with full GDPR compliance and a no trace, no fee guarantee. This guide will illuminate:
- The range of core and specialised investigation services available across the UK.
- How UK legislation, such as the Data Protection Act and RIPA, governs every assignment.
- Why Bluemoon Investigations’ 40-year legacy, nationwide presence, and “no trace, no fee” promise minimise your risk.
- The factors influencing costs and the typical pricing structure for people tracing and surveillance.
- The techniques and technologies investigators employ, from discreet observation to digital forensics.
- Answers to your most common questions about licences, confidentiality, and project timelines.
- Where throughout the UK you can access dependable investigation expertise.
Whether you’re a legal professional, insurer, business owner, or private individual seeking discreet, reliable outcomes, this article outlines the entire process of engaging a Private Detective UK, designed for swift, confident decision-making.
Ready to Start Your Investigation?
If you’re seeking discreet, reliable outcomes, our expert team is ready to assist. Discover how our services can provide the clarity you need.
What Services Do Private Investigators Offer in London and Across the UK?
A private investigator in Manchester provides a comprehensive suite of investigation services, integrating surveillance, tracing, and digital analysis to support legal, corporate, and personal objectives while ensuring evidence is gathered compliantly. For instance, locating a debtor who has absconded often commences with open-source intelligence checks and concludes with covert surveillance to confirm their current location.
Which Core Investigation Services Are Available?
Here’s a concise rundown of the primary services that form the bedrock of private detective work in the UK.
- People Tracing: Locates individuals by utilising public records, credit databases, and specialised networking tools.
- Debtor Tracing: Specifically targets individuals evading financial obligations by analysing asset registers and utility records.
- Process Serving: Delivers legal documents, such as court orders or witness statements, with verified proof of receipt.
- Surveillance: Offers covert observation to document activities or confirm suspicions in real-time.
- Background Checks: Verifies employment history, criminal records, and civil litigation data to assess personal or corporate risk.
Each of these services is built upon precise data acquisition and legal frameworks, seamlessly leading into more intricate assignments like fraud investigations and digital forensics.
How Do People Tracing and Debtor Tracing Work?
People tracing and debtor tracing operate by combining contemporary information-gathering techniques with on-the-ground verification to confirm a subject’s identity and whereabouts. Investigators begin with publicly accessible data—electoral rolls, credit reference agencies, and utility bills—then employ phone directories or professional databases to refine leads. For debtor tracing, asset checks and bankruptcy registers help establish financial standing, paving the way for subsequent legal action.
What Is Process Serving and How Is It Conducted?
Process Serving is the formal legal procedure of delivering court documents in person, ensuring strict adherence to UK civil procedure rules. A qualified investigator will:
- Verify Recipient Identity: Confirmed through ID checks or witness statements.
- Arrange a Secure Approach: Designed to prevent escalation or refusal.
- Document the Delivery: Supported by signed acknowledgements or photographic evidence.
This meticulous process guarantees that documents reach the intended party and provides admissible evidence of service for any future court proceedings.
How Are Surveillance and Background Checks Performed?

Surveillance and Background Checks are executed through a combination of discreet field operations and thorough record analysis. Investigators utilise unmarked vehicles, concealed cameras, or online monitoring tools to document movements or interactions. Concurrently, they meticulously examine criminal and civil databases, social media profiles, and professional registers to validate past conduct, compiling actionable intelligence that supports legal or corporate decision-making.
What Specialized Investigations Are Offered, Including Fraud and Digital Forensics?

Specialised investigations, such as fraud enquiries and digital forensics, delve into complex white-collar crime and technological evidence. Fraud Investigations meticulously trace intricate financial transactions and uncover hidden assets, while digital forensics extracts data from computers, mobile devices, and network logs to reconstruct events. These advanced services bolster corporate due diligence, validate insurance claims, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Need a Specific Investigation Service?
From people tracing to digital forensics, our comprehensive services are tailored to your unique requirements. Let’s discuss your case.
How Legal and Regulatory Compliance Shapes Private Investigation in the UK
Effective private detective work is fundamentally reliant on strict adherence to UK legislation, ensuring all evidence gathered is admissible and client confidentiality is maintained throughout the entire process.
Is Hiring a Private Investigator Legal in the UK?
Absolutely. Engaging a private investigator in Birmingham is entirely legal, provided the investigator operates strictly within the established boundaries of data protection and surveillance laws. Reputable agencies ensure that every action undertaken—from database searches to covert monitoring—complies with both statutory requirements and ethical standards.
What UK Laws Govern Private Investigation Services?
Here’s an overview of the key regulations that frame private investigation activities:
Regulation | Scope | Requirement |
---|---|---|
Data Protection Act 2018 | Processing of personal data | Mandates lawful handling, secure storage, and appropriate sharing of personal information. |
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) | EU-origin privacy rules | Requires transparency, explicit consent, and upholds data subject rights. |
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) | Surveillance authorisations | Governs the interception of communications and covert observation activities. |
Legal Framework for Private Investigators in the UK
Private investigators in the UK must operate within a stringent legal framework, encompassing the Data Protection Act 2018, UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). These laws dictate the lawful collection, processing, and handling of personal data and surveillance activities, ensuring adherence to statutory and ethical standards while respecting individual privacy.
This research directly supports the article’s section on how legal and regulatory compliance shapes private investigation in the UK, detailing the key legislation involved.
How Do Investigators Ensure Confidentiality and Data Protection?
Investigators rigorously protect confidentiality by implementing robust data security protocols, including encrypted case files and secure communication channels. They conduct regular compliance audits, restrict access to sensitive information on a need-to-know basis, and train all operatives in GDPR best practices, ensuring that every investigation upholds client privacy and legal integrity.
Can Private Investigators Provide Evidence for Court?
Indeed. Private investigators can provide evidence for court proceedings when it has been collected in strict accordance with legal standards. This includes maintaining a documented chain of custody, providing timestamped surveillance records, and presenting authenticated witness statements.
Admissibility of Evidence and Licensing for UK Private Investigators
Evidence collected by private investigators is admissible in courts, provided it is obtained lawfully and ethically, adhering to legal standards such as documented chain of custody and fair collection methods. While there is currently no mandatory national licensing for private investigators in the UK, adherence to professional standards and legal frameworks is crucial for evidence to withstand judicial scrutiny.
This information verifies the article’s claims regarding the provision of evidence for court and clarifies the current status of licensing requirements for private investigators in the UK.
This high level of diligence ensures that intelligence provided by private investigators is robust and admissible under judicial scrutiny.
Ensure Your Investigation is Fully Compliant
Operating strictly within UK legal frameworks, we guarantee all evidence is admissible and confidentiality is maintained.
Why Choose Bluemoon Investigations as Your UK Private Detective Agency?
Selecting an expert investigator means partnering with an agency that combines extensive experience, nationwide resources, and client-focused guarantees to enhance case success and minimise your risk.
What Experience and Expertise Does Bluemoon Bring?
Bluemoon Investigations offers over 40 years of combined professional experience, drawing on backgrounds in law enforcement and the military to deploy sophisticated investigative methodologies. Our accreditations with leading industry bodies serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to professional excellence and strict legal compliance.
As an ABI member and ICO registered agency, Bluemoon guarantees full legal compliance.
How Does Nationwide Coverage Benefit Clients?
Operating across every region of the UK, Bluemoon harmonises local intelligence networks with centralised oversight to optimise resource deployment and expedite response times. This strategic approach elevates service quality, as our local operatives possess intimate knowledge of jurisdiction-specific record systems and local terrain.
What Is the ‘No Trace, No Fee’ Policy and How Does It Reduce Client Risk?
Our ‘No Trace, No Fee’ policy ensures that clients incur no charges for people tracing services if no verifiable lead results in a confirmed location. This guarantee aligns our success directly with your objectives and significantly reduces your financial exposure in uncertain cases, underscoring our confidence in our tracing capabilities.
How Does Bluemoon Maintain Discretion and Timely Results?
Discretion is intrinsically woven into every facet of our operations, from the use of unmarked vehicles to our secure, encrypted reporting portals. Combined with meticulous project management and clearly defined timelines, this ensures that investigations progress efficiently and clients receive prompt, secure updates.
Partner with Bluemoon Investigations Today
Leverage our 40 years of experience, nationwide reach, and ‘no trace, no fee’ promise for a risk-minimised, successful outcome.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Private Investigator in the UK?
The cost of engaging a private investigator fluctuates based on the complexity of the service, the required duration, and the resources needed. Typically, this ranges from fixed-fee tracing services to hourly rates for surveillance.
What Factors Influence Private Investigation Service Costs?
Several key factors shape the final fee structure:
- Case Complexity: The intricacy of the investigation and the depth of research required.
- Duration and Intensity: The length and focus of surveillance or field operations.
- Specialist Resources: The need for advanced services like forensic analysis or asset tracing.
- Geographical Scope: The extent of operations across various UK regions.
These elements directly impact planning, risk assessment, and the overall expenditure.
What Are Typical Price Ranges for Key Services Like People Tracing and Surveillance?
Service Type | Starting Fee | Typical Rate |
---|---|---|
People tracing | £250 | Case-dependent; often a ‘no trace, no fee’ offer. |
Surveillance | £40 per hour | £40–£60 per hour, varying by location and complexity. |
Background checks | £595 | Up to £3000 for comprehensive enhanced reports. |
Our pricing reflects a careful balance between thorough investigative work and cost-effectiveness, providing transparent guidelines for your budgeting needs.
Are There Flexible Payment Options or Guarantees?
Yes, Bluemoon offers adaptable payment plans, instalment options for larger corporate assignments, and our signature ‘No Trace, No Fee’ guarantee for tracing services. This flexibility ensures you invest only in successful outcomes.
Get a Transparent Quote for Your Investigation
Understand the costs involved with our clear pricing structure and flexible payment options. Request a no-obligation estimate.
How Do Private Investigators Conduct Their Investigations?
Investigations are conducted using a strategic blend of traditional fieldwork, advanced research techniques, and cutting-edge technology to construct a clear, legally admissible picture of the subject.
What Investigative Techniques Are Used in People Tracing and Surveillance?
People tracing and surveillance employ a combination of open-source intelligence, database analysis, and discreet observation. Investigators:
- Access Public Records: Including electoral rolls and company registries.
- Utilise OSINT Tools: To identify digital footprints and online presence.
- Deploy Covert Methods: Such as unmarked vehicles and long-lens photography for real-time monitoring.
This comprehensive methodology ensures accurate subject location and verification of activities.
How Is Digital Forensics Applied in Fraud and Corporate Investigations?
Digital forensics involves the meticulous preservation, analysis, and reporting of electronic data from devices or networks. By recovering deleted files, reconstructing email communications, and examining metadata, investigators can uncover hidden financial transactions or data breaches that substantiate fraud claims and support regulatory compliance.
What Role Does Due Diligence Play in Corporate and Pre-Employment Checks?
Due diligence is essential for verifying the backgrounds of organisations or individuals before significant contracts are signed or new hires are made. This process includes scrutinising corporate registries, conducting credit assessments, and cross-referencing professional qualifications, thereby mitigating risks associated with fraud, misconduct, or reputational damage.
How Is Compliance Maintained During Evidence Collection?
Compliance is rigorously maintained through documented chain-of-custody protocols, formal consent procedures for interviews, and the secure, encrypted storage of all digital evidence. These essential measures guarantee the admissibility of evidence and uphold data protection obligations from the initial observation through to the final report.
Leverage Expert Investigative Techniques
Our blend of traditional fieldwork, advanced research, and cutting-edge technology ensures thorough and legally admissible results.
What Are the Most Common Questions About Private Investigation Services in the UK?
Clients frequently inquire about legal boundaries, collaboration with other professionals, and the guarantees of confidentiality when engaging private detectives.
Can Private Investigators Work with Solicitors, Businesses, and Insurance Companies?
Absolutely. Private investigators routinely collaborate with solicitors, corporate legal departments, and insurance adjusters to provide critical intelligence that supports litigation, due diligence efforts, and claims validation. This collaborative synergy streamlines evidence transfer and the preparation of expert witness testimony.
How Long Do Investigations Usually Take?
The duration of investigations varies significantly depending on the scope. People tracing can often be resolved within 1–2 weeks for straightforward cases, while complex fraud investigations or extensive surveillance projects may extend over several months. We establish clear timelines during the initial case scoping to ensure your expectations are accurately managed.
How Is Client Confidentiality Protected Throughout the Process?
Client confidentiality is paramount and is rigorously protected through non-disclosure agreements, secure case management platforms, and strict internal protocols that limit access to sensitive information solely to authorised personnel. These comprehensive safeguards ensure complete privacy from the initial instruction to the final delivery of results.
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Our team is ready to provide clarity on any aspect of private investigation, from legalities to timelines and confidentiality.
Where Can You Find Trusted Private Investigator Services Across the UK?
Trusted investigators combine local insight with extensive national reach to deliver consistent quality and timely results.
Which UK Cities and Regions Does Bluemoon Investigations Serve?
Bluemoon maintains a network of operatives across all major UK regions, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Cardiff. This expansive presence ensures rapid deployment capabilities and local expertise in accessing records, significantly enhancing overall operational efficiency.
How to Contact Bluemoon Investigations for a Confidential Discussion?
You can arrange a discreet, no-obligation consultation by calling our confidential enquiry line or by submitting a secure online form. Our initial briefing is focused on understanding your objectives, defining the preliminary scope, and estimating timelines, all before any commitment is required.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Local Investigator with National Reach?
A local investigator brings invaluable intimate knowledge of regional record systems and community networks, while national reach enables coordinated inquiries across different jurisdictions and centralised project management. This hybrid model accelerates results and maintains consistently high service standards.
Engage an experienced private investigator in London to enhance your case outcomes with precision, discretion, and complete legal compliance. Rely on proven expertise and nationwide coverage to locate missing persons, serve documents, gather evidence, or uncover fraud—with every action aligned with your objectives and governed by UK law.