Operating as an unlicensed private investigator will be considered a criminal offence under a new regulatory system announced by the government. Home secretary Theresa May said today (31 July) the Home Office is introducing new regulation to protect the public from unscrupulous activity. Currently, anyone is allowed to work as a private investigator, regardless of their skills, experience or criminal convictions, according to the government. The new regulatory regime will be introduced next year, with the maximum penalty for working without a licence or for supplying unlicensed investigators likely to be a fine of up to £5,000......Read more here