What Is an Enhanced Trace?
An enhanced trace is our comprehensive investigation service for complex cases where standard desktop searches have been unsuccessful or are unlikely to succeed. This service combines advanced database analysis with traditional investigative fieldwork.
Our experienced investigators conduct enquiries on the ground, including door-to-door visits, interviews with neighbours and former associates, and other investigative techniques to locate individuals who have deliberately made themselves difficult to find.
When to Use This Service
Enhanced tracing is recommended when:
- A desktop trace has been unsuccessful
- The subject has no footprint on standard databases
- The subject is believed to be deliberately evading detection
- The information you hold is limited or outdated
- The subject may have moved abroad or is transient
- High-value litigation or debt recovery requires certainty
What's Included
The enhanced trace service includes:
- Field investigations and enquiries on the ground
- Visits to last known addresses
- Interviews with neighbours and associates (where appropriate)
- Electoral roll and land registry investigations
- Social media and open source intelligence (OSINT)
- Cross-referencing with business and directorship records
What We Need From You
To maximise the chances of success, please provide:
- Full name of the subject (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth
- Last known address (even if very old)
- Photograph (if available)
- Previous addresses
- Employment history
- Known associates, family members, or connections
- Any other information that may help
What You Receive
Upon successful completion, you will receive a comprehensive report including:
- Verified current residential address
- Additional data discovered (telephone, etc.)
Our Guarantee
We operate on a no trace, no fee basis. If we cannot locate a verified current address for your subject despite our best efforts, you will not be charged.
Turnaround Time
Enhanced traces typically take up to 4 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the case. We provide regular progress updates throughout the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. A desktop trace is faster and more cost-effective. If it's unsuccessful, we can then escalate to an enhanced trace. However, if you have reason to believe the subject is deliberately evading detection, an enhanced trace may be more appropriate from the outset.
We offer international tracing services. If during our UK investigation we discover evidence that the subject has emigrated, we can discuss extending the search internationally. Different fees and timescales apply.
Our investigators are experienced professionals who understand the need for discretion. We use cover stories where appropriate and never reveal the true purpose of our enquiries or your identity to third parties.
Yes, we provide family reconnection services. However, these services are conducted in strict accordance with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and the UK GDPR to ensure the privacy and safety of all parties.
The law requires that personal data be processed fairly and transparently. In family reconnection cases, there is a significant risk that disclosing a person's location without their knowledge could infringe upon their fundamental rights or breach existing legal protections (such as non-molestation orders or witness protection).
To meet our safeguarding obligations under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, we operate a "Consent-Led Disclosure" policy. This means that while we will use our professional expertise to locate the individual, we will not release their current contact details to you without their express permission.
By instructing us to conduct a family trace, you agree to the following conditions:
- Verification of Lawful Purpose: We will only conduct traces where there is a clear and lawful basis. If we discover that a court order, injunction, or other legal restriction prohibits you from contacting the person, we will terminate the instruction immediately.
- The Reconnection Process: Once the individual is located, we will contact them to inform them of your request. This fulfils our statutory duty to inform data subjects that their information is being processed.
- Right of Refusal: We will request the individual's consent to share their details with you. If they decline, we are legally prohibited from disclosing their address or contact information to you. In such cases, we may offer to pass a letter or message from you to them, at our discretion.
- Mandatory Disclosure: If the trace reveals evidence of a potential breach of a court order, we reserve the right to notify the relevant authorities or the Court, as permitted under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
Important Information Regarding Fees:
Our fees cover the professional time and resources required to conduct the investigation and the subsequent safeguarding contact. You remain responsible for all agreed fees regardless of whether the located person consents to the disclosure of their information. All fees must be paid in full prior to our making contact with the located person. Full terms are set out in our Terms of Business.
Need to Find Someone Difficult to Trace?
Contact our team to discuss your case. With over 128 years of experience, we can help.