What is an ideal vehicle to perform surveillance?

Looking for a new Surveillance Vehicle?

This is a question which we are asked a lot by newcomers to the industry, our surveillance course learners and also seasoned surveillance operatives who are looking to replace their surveillance vehicles.

In essence, you require a vehicle that there is plenty of on the road, a none garish colour and limousine tinted rear windows.

The next discussion point is whether to go for a car or a van. Many operatives have strong views on this similarly whether to use Cannon or Nikon optical equipment.

Surveillance Vehicle – Car vs Van

A car generally allows the surveillance operative when sat in the back a 360 degree view to gain imagery, whereas a van unless it has side windows or an external camera system, front and rearview only which can be limiting. A van however will fit in well in a commercial environment and generally has a higher vantage point so may be able to see over obstacles that wouldn’t be possible in a car. There are limitations for both; however as long as you’re aware of them it isn’t generally an issue.

Good examples of vans would be a Volkswagen Caddy, a Peugeot Partner or similarly sized van. A larger van such as a Ford Transit or Volkswagen Crafter would not be ideal. They are too large and long and therefore will be difficult to park in available spaces to gain the visual and have an imposing presence. They will certainly draw attention in a residential environment.

In regard to suitable cars, the list is endless. I have used a Ford Focus, BMW 3 Series, Vauxhall Zafira, Vauxhall Insignia and a Seat Leon over the years. All were either silver, grey or black. Colours to avoid would be bright colours such as yellow, red and orange as these draw the eye and once seen will potentially be remembered.

Surveillance Vehicle – Private Number Plates

The number plate of whatever vehicle you decide to purchase as a surveillance vehicle should not have a private number plate or one that is easily rememberable. If it is rememberable but not a private plate, then this can be changed relatively cheaply to a non-rememberable one.

Whichever vehicle you choose needs to have enough room to carry your props and equipment. You need to be able to carry enough equipment for every eventuality which can sometimes fill a reasonably sized boot of a vehicle where it is out of sight. A mini car therefore may not be suitable due to the small sized boot. You’ll need to be able to get from the front to the rear and vice versa with ease. This is important as you may be in the rear with the visual, trigger the subject away and then need to catch up to join in with the surveillance. It certainly wouldn’t be covert to exit the rear and walk round to the driver’s side to enter and drive off. The vehicle is also required to have enough room for you to be comfortable for long periods both in the rear and the front.

Surveillance Training, want to know more?

For further advice and information in regard to Titan’s surveillance training courses or advice on surveillance vehicles or equipment, then feel free to speak to one of our professional UK private investigations team at one of the offices nearest to you.

London Private Investigator Vehicle – Call the Titan Investigations London Office 020 39046622
Birmingham Private Investigator Vehicle – Call the Titan Investigations Birmingham Office 0121 7162442
Cambridge Private Investigator Vehicle – Call the Titan Investigations Cambridge Office 01223 662022
Derby Private Investigator Vehicle – Call the Titan Investigations Derby (Head Office) 01332 504256
Leeds Private Investigator Vehicle – Call the Titan Investigations Leeds Office 0113 4574066
Leicester Private Investigator Vehicle – Call the Titan Investigations Leicester Office 0116 2436520
Nottingham Private Investigator Vehicle – Call the Titan Investigations Nottingham Office 0115 9646950
Manchester Private Investigator Vehicle – Call the Titan Investigations Office 0161 3023008
Sheffield Private Investigator Vehicle – Call the Titan Investigations Sheffield Office 0114 3499400

Alternatively, you can contact us directly using our fully confidential contact form at enquiries@titaninvestigations.co.uk or chat directly using our Live Chat facility and one of our private investigations team will get right back to you.