Home Surveillance - Questions

I have found out that my home was put under surveillance a while back by a Private Investigation Company for 3 days. I have obtained a copy of the associated report.

Putting aside the inclusion of records concerning my prior houses purchases, prior Ltd company accounts, etc and things found about me on the web, (which I assume are within the remit of 'reasonable' in the UK), I have 3 areas which I am less certain of, in terms of legality.

Firstly, notes were made concerning who was in the house, e.g. female in kitchen.

Secondly, my neighbours were approached, (by knocking on their doors), and asked to discuss who was in my home, and me and my illness.

Finally, as is noted in the report, I was cold called by a member of the surv. team who asked for my assistance, (they claimed to be in distress concerning a prior traffic car accident in my road).

The records also show that it was established before knocking that I was alone in the home. The purpose of the cold call is given in the report, as being to speak to me directly (for confirmation it was me), and to get a feel for my 'demeanour'.

As an aside, access was also 'briefly' made into a private gated/secured courtyard at the rear of my property in order to see what was in there.

I am interested in understanding the legality of what has occurred. Any thoughts or comments appreciated.

Best Regards,

M.

This comes outside the scope of what we advise on on here, but it may be that one of the members would know something about this.

Do you know who was investigating and what for ?

Dear oh Dear this sounds very alarming, are the DWP now investigating disabled claimants or what exactly is going on. Any thoughts would be most appreciated as this sounds like the Benefits SAS.

Marshal_534 wrote:

I have found out that my home was put under surveillance a while back by a Private Investigation Company for 3 days. I have obtained a copy of the associated report.

Putting aside the inclusion of records concerning my prior houses purchases, prior Ltd company accounts, etc and things found about me on the web, (which I assume are within the remit of 'reasonable' in the UK), I have 3 areas which I am less certain of, in terms of legality.

Firstly, notes were made concerning who was in the house, e.g. female in kitchen.

Secondly, my neighbours were approached, (by knocking on their doors), and asked to discuss who was in my home, and me and my illness.

Finally, as is noted in the report, I was cold called by a member of the surv. team who asked for my assistance, (they claimed to be in distress concerning a prior traffic car accident in my road).

The records also show that it was established before knocking that I was alone in the home. The purpose of the cold call is given in the report, as being to speak to me directly (for confirmation it was me), and to get a feel for my 'demeanour'.

As an aside, access was also 'briefly' made into a private gated/secured courtyard at the rear of my property in order to see what was in there.

I am interested in understanding the legality of what has occurred. Any thoughts or comments appreciated.

Best Regards,

M.

Hi,

Although really beyond the remit of the forum, do you know why you were the subject of this surveillance?.

If it was for and/or on behalf of a listed government agency, and falls into the class of directed surveillance or covert human intelligence sources then the requirments of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (commonly referred to as the RIPA Act) MAY apply.

There is more on the RIPA Act here

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIPA

albeit it is not entirely accurate but it gives you the jist of it.

If the surveillance was for other reasons outwith this act, then as mentioned above, it can be lawful as well.

You really need to find out the reason for the surveillance and then seek face to face advice if you wish to persue any complaint or other action.

Pete