HOW CAN VIDEO SURVEILLANCE HELP UNCOVER THE TRUTH?

Are we living in a world of 'Big Brother'? With CCTV cameras now a familiar sight, it can sometimes feel that way. However, CCTV and video surveillance play an important role in security and are lawfully used by the police and security services to support investigations into major crime and public order. Video surveillance can help uncover the truth by providing an objective visual record of events. It can establish timelines, verify or challenge witness statements, track movements across locations and identify key details such as people or vehicles through digital and forensic analysis.

‍

Key Ways Video Surveillance Can Reveal the Facts

• Objective evidence: Captures actions as they happen, helping to provide a factual visual record.
• Timeline creation: Helps establish a clear sequence of events and when they occurred.
• Witness verification: Can support, clarify or challenge human memory and witness statements.
• Movement tracking: Helps trace movements and routines across multiple camera angles or locations.

‍

Here at Surelock, we do not install or monitor CCTV systems. However, when carrying out a Security Survey Assessment, we can make recommendations and check that any existing system is working effectively. Surveillance is, however, an integral part of many professional investigation services.

‍

Why Might You Need Professional Surveillance?

Surelock has been carrying out successful surveillance operations across the UK, and on occasion internationally, for over 25 years. Our surveillance teams have many years of experience, with operatives drawn from police and military backgrounds and strategically located throughout the UK. We have supported many satisfied clients. View our testimonials. 

‍

Is Surveillance Legal in the UK?

Yes. Surveillance in the UK is legal, but it is heavily regulated. It operates within a framework that includes data protection law, human rights legislation and specific legislation such as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). State agencies may carry out covert surveillance for purposes such as national security or crime prevention, while private surveillance must also be conducted lawfully, proportionately and for a legitimate purpose. Professional surveillance is often carried out as part of a private investigation.

‍

What Is Surveillance?

Surveillance is the covert observation or monitoring of a person for the purpose of a specific investigation or operation, with the aim of lawfully gathering intelligence or evidence. In simple terms, it can involve discreetly following and observing someone to establish what they are doing without alerting them to the investigation.

Surveillance can take place on foot, by car or bike, or on public transport. To remain lawful, our operatives conduct surveillance in public places and record only what can lawfully be observed.

We can covertly record relevant movements and provide a detailed evidence log of events with selected images. An unedited recording is also retained and can be made available when required.

We carry out surveillance for businesses, law firms, insurance companies and private individuals. Assignments can range from a single day to several weeks, depending on the circumstances and objectives.

One thing is certain: professional surveillance is not like what you see on TV. It can involve long hours, careful planning and experienced operatives working discreetly to obtain the evidence a client needs. That is why we are proud of the surveillance teams we use.

‍

Types of Surveillance Services

Domestic Surveillance

often associated with suspected infidelity or other personal concerns - can provide evidence to help clients establish the facts and, where relevant, support legal proceedings.

Sadly, in our experience, in over 95% of the cases referred to us, clients' worst fears are usually proven to be true. In one particular case, we followed the wife of a client and, on the very first day, she drove to a hotel, met a man in the bar and then went to a room for just over an hour. When they left, they went to the car park and were later recorded engaging in intimate activity in the back of the man's Volvo estate.

Whether you suspect infidelity, need evidence for a legal case or want reassurance about your child's safety, our domestic surveillance services can help provide the answers you are looking for. 

‍

Corporate Surveillance

our corporate surveillance services are designed to help businesses stay one step ahead of potential risks.

‍

From internal issues such as employee misconduct, theft and fraud to external threats such as corporate espionage, we provide intelligence that can help you protect your assets and maintain your competitive position. 

‍

Accident and injury surveillance

This involves discreetly monitoring individuals who have made injury claims following workplace incidents or accidents in public places. Insurance companies may instruct us to observe claimants over time and gather video evidence of their day-to-day activities. This footage can help establish the true extent of an injury, either supporting or challenging a claim. The quality of our accident and injury surveillance in such cases has been praised by the courts in legal proceedings.

‍

Investigative Surveillance

We specialise in professional investigative surveillance designed to help clients uncover the truth and gather the evidence they need. This can include legal matters, corporate investigations, personal concerns or assisting the police and other authorities with intelligence relating to suspected crime. Our experienced teams use the latest technology, specially equipped vehicles, covert cameras and, on occasion, drones and other methods to monitor activity discreetly and provide reliable results.

‍

Initial Enquiries

A great deal of our surveillance work begins with a call from a nervous member of the public who suspects a partner of infidelity, or from a business that has never used professional surveillance services before. Common questions include:

• How much does surveillance cost?
• Can you track their mobile phone?
• Can you monitor their messages?
• Can you put a tracker on their car?

‍

For clients who want to establish what is really happening, professional surveillance provides a lawful way to gather direct evidence. The camera never lies; every picture tells a story. Vehicle trackers can have a role, but in our view they should be used to support the surveillance operation rather than replace it.

We are often asked about one-person surveillance. We would not deploy a single operative for a surveillance assignment because, in our opinion, it is unsafe, unprofessional and often impractical, particularly in a city. We would initially recommend a three-person surveillance team to provide appropriate coverage, although larger teams can be supplied when an assignment requires them.

Before an operation begins, we discuss the assignment in detail. This ensures the client understands the costs, that the requested activity is lawful, that we have the information needed to begin the surveillance and, most importantly, that we are clear about what the client wants to achieve.

‍

What Intelligence and Evidence Do We Supply?

Our surveillance is covertly recorded and we provide a detailed log of events showing relevant movements, people met, times and locations, supported by selected images. We can also supply an edited copy of the recording. Our evidence can be used in legal proceedings and, where required, our operatives can attend court. We keep clients informed of significant findings as the operation progresses and may send images by WhatsApp to confirm that we are following the correct person.

‍

How Much Does Surveillance Cost?

We work strictly to an hourly rate. Our cost is £70 per hour, per operative, plus travel, mileage and any necessary expenses. This is within the normal range for our industry.

‍

What Should I Do Next?

If you have concerns and believe professional surveillance could help, contact us to discuss the situation. We will explain the available options so you understand the likely costs and exactly what is involved before any work begins.

If you need this professional service, please contact Surelock to discuss your requirements:

Contact: www.surelock.org/contact-us 

Website: www.surelock.org 

Email: info@surelock.org 

Telephone: 0333 6000 300

‍