It’s not every day you find yourself in need of a private investigator in Perth but for one local PI the role goes far beyond ‘lurking in the shadows to catch out cheating spouses’.
Key Investigation Services in Wangara is led by director and principal investigator Ian Woolley, who is a former police officer and aerospace engineer.
Mr Woolley, who will be part of the businesses on show at the annual Wanneroo Business Expo next Thursday, said his clients were mostly insurance and legal companies, with just a small part of work with private clients.
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READ NOW“As soon as people ask me what I do and I say private investigator, the first thing that is said to me is ‘do you catch cheating husbands?’. And it’s natural, I find it amusing each time,” he said.
“Obviously we do that side of things, it’s a service that we provide but it’s such a small percentage in comparison to investigations that we would do for insurance companies for workers comp or general insurance investigations.
“Especially for private clients; we’re certainly not an industry where everybody needs to shop at once a week type of thing, we’re a one-off. Even if you have to use us once, it’s kind of unusual.”
Mr Woolley said there had been a rise in requests to help locate a missing person — whether it be a loved one or “someone who’s done shoddy work at their house” to serve legal documents to.
He is classed as a factual investigator and is often sought to find his own information on individuals, such as the legitimacy of insurance claims.
The business was launched alongside Marnie Fowler in 2022 and the team comprises about 10 investigators in WA divided between factual investigators and surveillance investigators.
“These surveillance investigators are the ones that are out there with the cameras, and they might just monitor somebody’s activities for the day to see what they’re up to,” Mr Woolley said.
“It’s not just hiding behind a newspaper with holes in it. It’s certainly far more in-depth.
“Certainly everything that we obtain is all public information. Some of it’s paid subscriptions and things like that, but we certainly don’t bend the rules to obtain information illegally. If it’s out there, we can find it.”
Both the increase of social media data and popularity of smartphones are helping private investigators gather information and surveil targets.
“If 10 years ago you stood in a shopping centre holding your phone up, people would think you’re filming them,” Mr Woolley said.
“Whereas nowadays, you can walk around with the phone in front of your face all day and nobody even gives it two glances. So rather than it being invasive, it’s almost accepted.”
Key Investigation Services will be one of the exhibitors at this year’s Wanneroo Business Expo at Mindarie Marina.
Products and services from retail, finance, hospitality and employment to real estate will be on display.
Wanneroo Business Association communications and program facilitator Eleanor Mulder said the association was thrilled to bring together a diverse line-up of exhibitors and connect a vibrant local business community.
“The expo plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses in the City of Wanneroo by providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services, network with fellow business owners, and connect with potential customers,” she said.
“The expo facilitates collaborations and partnerships within the local business community, contributing to its growth and prosperity. As part of our ongoing efforts, this event underscores our commitment to supporting the enrichment of local business in the region.
“We’re thrilled to see the continued success of the Wanneroo Business Expo, which has become a highlight on the local business calendar.
“We encourage everyone to book their free entry ticket today and join us for a day jam-packed with networking, promotion, and connection to your local business community.”
The Wanneroo Business Expo is on Thursday, April 18, at the Mindarie Marina from 11.30am-3.30pm, with a closing party at Cabana Pool Bar from 4pm to 6pm.