Missing Persons Investigations
Professional, compassionate tracing services for families, solicitors, and organisations across Wales. Our experienced investigators combine advanced techniques with sensitivity to reunite families and locate missing individuals.
When someone goes missing, every moment counts. Whether you're searching for a missing family member, an estranged relative, a witness to an incident, or someone who's lost contact, our missing persons investigation team provides the expertise, resources, and compassion needed during this difficult time.
Based in Rhigos, South Wales, we serve families and organisations throughout Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, and across the Valleys. Our investigators have extensive experience in person tracing, combining traditional investigative methods with modern technology to locate missing individuals quickly and discreetly.
We understand the emotional toll of a missing person case. Our team approaches every investigation with sensitivity, professionalism, and a commitment to keeping you informed throughout the process. We work closely with families, solicitors, social services, and when appropriate, law enforcement agencies to achieve the best possible outcome.
Types of Missing Persons Cases
We handle a wide range of missing persons investigations with professionalism and discretion
Missing Family Members
Locating estranged relatives, runaway teenagers, or family members who have lost contact. Compassionate approach for sensitive family situations.
Beneficiary Tracing
Finding beneficiaries for wills, estates, and inheritance matters. Essential for solicitors and estate administrators.
Witness Location
Tracing witnesses for legal proceedings, insurance claims, or criminal defence cases. Court-admissible documentation provided.
Adoption Searches
Sensitive tracing for adoption reunions, birth parent searches, and family tree investigations. Handled with utmost care and confidentiality.
Debtor Tracing
Locating individuals who owe money, have defaulted on loans, or disappeared with outstanding debts. For businesses and legal professionals.
Vulnerable Adults
Urgent tracing of vulnerable adults, elderly persons with dementia, or individuals at risk. 24/7 emergency response available.
Our Investigation Methods
Database & Records Searches
We access extensive databases including electoral rolls, credit reference agencies, utility records, and public registers to trace current addresses and contact information. Our investigators have access to specialist tracing databases not available to the general public, significantly increasing our success rate.
We conduct comprehensive searches across multiple data sources, cross-referencing information to verify accuracy and build a complete picture of the subject's current whereabouts.
Social Media Intelligence
Modern missing persons investigations require expertise in digital footprints. We analyse social media profiles, online activity, and digital communications to identify patterns, connections, and potential locations. Our team is trained in open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to gather information ethically and legally.
We examine Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other platforms to identify associates, recent activity, and location indicators that can lead to successful tracing.
Field Enquiries & Interviews
Our experienced investigators conduct discreet field enquiries, interviewing family members, friends, colleagues, and associates who may have information about the missing person's whereabouts. We approach these conversations with sensitivity and professionalism, understanding the emotional nature of missing persons cases.
We visit last known addresses, places of work, and locations the subject frequented to gather intelligence and identify leads that may not be available through database searches alone.
Surveillance & Verification
When we identify a potential location, we conduct professional surveillance to verify the subject's presence and gather photographic evidence. This is particularly important for legal cases where proof of location is required.
Our surveillance teams use advanced equipment and techniques to confirm identity without alerting the subject, ensuring the integrity of the investigation.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
In missing persons cases, time is critical. The longer someone remains missing, the harder they become to trace. Digital footprints fade, witnesses' memories become less reliable, and trails go cold. Early intervention significantly increases the chances of a successful outcome.
If you're concerned about a missing person, particularly a vulnerable adult or child, contact us immediately. We offer 24/7 emergency response for urgent cases and can begin investigations within hours of your initial contact.
What We Provide
Our Commitment to You
- •Regular updates throughout the investigation
- •Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- •Compassionate, sensitive approach to family cases
- •Strict confidentiality and data protection
- •Collaboration with law enforcement when appropriate
- •Professional, court-ready reports for legal proceedings
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to find a missing person?
The timeframe varies significantly depending on the circumstances. Simple address traces can be completed within 24-48 hours if the subject is using their real name and has a digital footprint. More complex cases involving individuals actively avoiding detection may take several weeks. We provide realistic timeframes during our initial consultation and keep you updated throughout the investigation.
Should I contact the police or a private investigator?
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, always contact the police first on 999. For non-emergency missing persons cases, particularly those involving adults who have chosen to disappear, the police may have limited resources to dedicate to the search. Private investigators can often achieve results more quickly, especially for civil matters like beneficiary tracing, witness location, or family reunions. We work alongside police investigations when appropriate.
What information do you need to start a missing persons investigation?
We need as much information as possible about the missing person: full name (including any aliases), date of birth, last known address, physical description, photographs, details of family and friends, places they frequented, employment history, vehicle details, and any other relevant information. The more details you can provide, the more effective our investigation will be. We understand that information may be limited, and we work with whatever you can provide.
Is it legal to hire a private investigator to find someone?
Yes, it is entirely legal to hire a private investigator to locate a missing person in the UK, provided the investigation is conducted lawfully and ethically. We comply with all relevant legislation including the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. We will not undertake investigations that involve harassment, stalking, or any unlawful activity. Read our guide on UK private investigator laws.
How much does a missing persons investigation cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case. Simple database searches start from £150-£300, whilst comprehensive investigations involving field enquiries and surveillance typically range from £500-£2,000+. We provide transparent quotes before beginning work and never charge hidden fees. Emergency cases may incur additional costs due to the urgent nature of the work. See our pricing page for detailed information.
What happens if you find the person but they don't want to be contacted?
We respect individuals' rights to privacy and autonomy. If we locate someone who explicitly does not wish to be contacted, we will inform you that we have located them but cannot disclose their whereabouts without their consent. In some cases, we can act as an intermediary, passing on a message and allowing the subject to decide whether to make contact. For legal matters (such as inheritance or court proceedings), different rules may apply, and we can advise on the appropriate course of action.
Need Help Finding Someone?
Contact our compassionate missing persons team for a confidential consultation. Available 24/7 for emergency cases.
All enquiries are treated in strict confidence. We're here to help.