I am often asked what helps with being a good private investigator and when I meet people and explain my job role I am normally asked if I have a tombola hat and newspaper with eye holes cut out!
So, keeping with the topic I am going to share my thoughts on the best covert surveillance props that can be used in 2025!
Simply put, a covert surveillance prop is a piece of equipment used for creating a disguise.
Now the ‘equipment’ can almost be anything from clothing to a vehicle accessory or even a website to help with a cover story. As with a lot of the investigations role, it all comes down to imagination and how something can be utilised to work effectively.
The best way for me to describe the props is to break them down by their main uses.
These props are crucial for covert surveillance as most of our work is out on the road. I use mine all the time and to very good effect.
Childs Seat
The best prop I have in my car is a child seat. It helps to straight away disarm my vehicle from being suspect in a new area to simply being a normally family car. It enables me to park in child only spaces when there is limited parking opportunities. Please note this only when I need that spot to get video evidence.
Hard Hat and Hi Vis Vest
Always a golden ticket into areas. A hi vis vest along with hard hat can get you a long way in a vehicle and if sat in one area for a prolonged time can strengthen a very good cover story towards your presence. Once out of the vehicle wearing the hard hat and hi vis vest can give you a pass to snoop in an area on foot too. With the need of looking for hydrants, electrical points etc you can really use these props to help be overt to be covert.
Amazon Parcels
These take some collecting and time to build up but once you have a few you can put them in your front seat and if stopped explain that you are simply an Amazon delivery driver or similar. One main factor on this is to remember these parcels can also attract unwanted attention too, if you stop for too long. Criminals may be tempted to break in to get your empty boxes..
Vehicle Signage
This is completely varying and all depends on what kind of cover story you are comfortable with. I don’t personally use any as I lean towards keeping my car a personal family style car and that is my cover story plan. I have seen others use Uber signage but for me posing as a taxi is in the grey area of law as I understand it (I’ve not researched it fully). Other signage that works well is the ‘Highways Maintenance’ signage that works well with both vans and cars alike. This will let you sit in remote areas for extended periods of time with a strong cover story if paired with other props…
Different Outfits
The beauty of operating in a vehicle is the ability to carry a lot of kit and equipment. Packing differing outfits is a MUST. Make sure you include different shoes and different outfit styles to suit a range of scenarios. A subject might enter a posh restaurant, or a dive bar. Be prepared for both! The shoes though is a must as I have seen lots of covert surveillance teams change their appearance only to forget their shoes and that is a main point I look at in anti-surveillance techniques.
Whether it be a backpack, satchel, man bag or crossbody style bag make sure you plan to pack something to use as a prop. Small or big all depends on what you can carry..
Laptop
These are the perfect prop. Subject goes into a hotel, no issue. Subject goes into a coffee shop, bonus! You can get other work done at the same time! I have even taken my laptop into Wetherspoons and it worked, don’t forget their largest selling item is hot drinks..
Tablet
Much like a laptop these are perfect almost anywhere but they are much more portable and in a way less formal. Pitching up and watching a movie on a tablet in a coffee shop now is much less suspect than on a laptop. However, both can make you appear to be involved with business in a posher hotel lobby.
A Book
Almost going out of fashion now however they still have their place in the right setting but be sure if you use this covert surveillance prop that the location is the right setting.
Clark Kent Glasses
Simple reading style glasses that fit your prescription or are clear lenses can really change your facial profile in a close setting. If you followed someone in a store and then they go into a coffee shop this is the perfect way you can use those glasses to amazing effect. If challenged they are simply your reading glasses but I am yet to be challenged on this one myself.
Jacket/Rain Coat
When on foot, having the ability to be able to change your appearance is very limited as you can’t carry a full wardrobe of clothing however, an over jacket or rain coat is usually lightweight and offers the chance to change your top half appearance very quickly. This also has the functionality of keeping you warm and dry in the bad British weather..
This list is a complete catalogue of every prop available and there will be some in use around the world that I haven’t thought of or seen deployed. Some covert surveillance props won’t ever work in the UK and only work in specific areas.
What this blog post is though is to help newer surveillance guys and girls think of new tools for their tool kit and I welcome any suggestions to add to this list!
Thanks for reading and I would love to wish everyone a Happy New Year for 2025!
Dan
Delta 74 Private Investigations Ltd
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