When it comes to private detectives, famous characters such as Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew and Thomas Magnum spring to mind. We just can’t help it – ever since Humphrey Bogart slipped on his raincoat to play detective Philip Marlowe we have the idea that all an investigator needs is a magnifying glass and torch to solve any mystery. However, it takes a lot more in terms of gadgetry to be a successful private detective.

Hidden cameras

Technology has come a long way and today a lot of private detective work is about surveillance – and PIs have some nifty gadgets to give them a hand. We live in a country that likes to know what’s going on – so chances are you have already been caught on camera today. Whether it was a fixed CCTV camera or a mobile one, they seem to be everywhere, so it’s not surprising to hear that investigators use ones that can be hidden in clocks and flower pots – even air fresheners and standard-looking smoke alarms can conceal a device.

Voice recorders

The same goes for voice recorders. They can be hidden in anything ranging from pens through to key fobs – everyday objects that you wouldn’t give a second glance can hide a gadget that will record your conversations.

Photographic evidence

The number of people wanting to find out if their husband or wife is cheating on them is on the increase. One of the easiest ways to catch them is with photographic evidence. Usually this entails using a camera with a long range lens – but there are other tools an investigator can use such as cameras in watches and even in baseball caps.

Tracing a missing person

Here at 1st Call Detectives we use a range of techniques to solve a mystery. However, private detectives don’t just work for people who are worried about cheating spouses – some businesses engage their services if they suspect staff, who are off on long-term sick, may not be ill at all.

Since the disappearance of Madeline McCann people have worried about tracking devices and taking measures to ensure the safety of their child. It is incredible to think that a child can carry a voice-activated camera in their soft toy.

Through travel and technology the world has become a smaller place – but also a potentially dangerous one, so it isn’t surprising that private detectives are being used more now than ever before.