What Props Do Surveillance Operatives Use?
Inside the Art of Disguise with Titan PI TV’s Simon Henson
In the latest episode of Titan PI TV, Simon Henson, Managing Director of Titan Private Investigation Limited, takes viewers behind the scenes of the fascinating world of surveillance. Broadcasting from Titan’s headquarters in Derby, Henson offers a rare glimpse into the everyday tools, props, and disguises that enable professional operatives to blend seamlessly into their surroundings—remaining unseen, unremarkable, and, most importantly, unforgettable to those they observe.
The Art of Not Being Remembered
Surveillance is, at its core, the art of not being noticed. As Henson explains, the most effective operatives are those who can stand in plain sight without drawing attention. “If you look at a surveillance operative, you don’t remember them,” he says. This ability to be both overt and covert is achieved through a careful selection of props and disguises, each chosen to suit the environment and the objective at hand.
Vehicles as Props: More Than Just Transport
One of the most effective ways to remain inconspicuous is to use vehicles as props. Henson describes how motorcycles, scooters, and pedal cycles can be transformed into perfect covers with the right accessories. For example, a delivery rider’s kit—complete with branded backpack, helmet, and high-visibility jacket—allows an operative to linger on a street corner in London for over an hour without raising suspicion. Passers-by see a delivery driver waiting for an order, not a surveillance professional monitoring a business premises.
The key, Henson notes, is to be overt in order to be covert. “You could probably stay there for an hour, hour and a half, and no one would bat an eyelid at you. They look at you, they don’t remember you.” The operative becomes part of the urban landscape, invisible through familiarity.
Changing Profiles: The Power of Small Details
While the vehicle itself may be difficult to disguise, the rider’s profile can be altered with simple changes. Swapping courier bibs, donning different branded jackets, or even changing helmets can make the same operative appear as a completely different person to a casual observer. These small details are crucial in avoiding detection, especially during prolonged operations.
Henson recalls a time before the advent of modern surveillance technology, when operatives relied on ingenuity and props to maintain their cover. He recounts sitting in a van, posing as a traffic surveyor for the local council. The van was equipped with a flashing beacon and a sign reading “Traffic Survey in Progress.” When the subject approached, Henson explained he was monitoring traffic for potential speed bumps—a plausible story, especially as the subject had been campaigning for traffic calming measures. Far from being suspicious, the subject was delighted, even bringing cups of tea throughout the day. “Because of the props I used, I could sit there all day long. Never, ever bat an eyelid,” Henson recalls.
Magnetic Signs and Taxi Props: Blending in with the Urban Jungle
Other vehicle-based props include magnetic signs for motorway maintenance or taxi signs. By placing a taxi sign on the roof and Uber stickers on the doors, an operative can justify their presence in almost any location. However, Henson cautions that this approach requires care: “If you haven’t got a taxi plate and other taxi drivers see you, they may have an issue with you.” Nevertheless, these props provide a legitimate reason to be parked or waiting in areas where loitering might otherwise attract attention.
Disguises and Personal Props: The Human Element
While vehicles and uniforms are effective, personal props and disguises are equally important. Female operatives, Henson notes, are particularly adept at using wigs and even prosthetic pregnancy bumps to alter their appearance. These changes can dramatically shift an operative’s profile, making them unrecognisable even to someone who has seen them before.
More commonly, operatives carry a bag filled with a variety of props for the day. This might include several hats of different colours and styles, allowing for quick changes in appearance. “If your subject looks at you again later on, you have a different profile,” Henson explains. A beanie hat, a baseball cap, or a scarf can make all the difference.
The Ingenious Dog Lead Trick
One of the most ingenious props in the surveillance toolkit is the humble dog lead and doggy bag. Henson shares how carrying a dog lead and a bag of soil—without an actual dog—can provide the perfect cover in public spaces. “It’s amazing how many people will not bat an eyelid at the fact you haven’t got a dog,” he says. This tactic is especially useful in matrimonial cases, where getting close to a subject in a park or open space is necessary. The operative can approach, feigning concern for a lost dog, while covertly recording or photographing the subject and their associates.
Overt to Be Covert: The Psychology of Props
The underlying principle behind all these props is to be overt in order to be covert. By giving themselves a legitimate reason to be present, operatives avoid suspicion and can remain in position for extended periods. Whether posing as a courier, a traffic surveyor, or a dog walker, the operative’s story must be plausible and supported by their props.
Henson describes how, in insurance investigations, operatives may need to confirm whether a subject is at home before committing to further surveillance. In such cases, a courier prop—complete with a package and black clothing—allows the operative to approach the door and gather identification imagery of whoever answers. If the subject is not present, the operative can ask when they will be home, all under the guise of delivering a parcel.
The Litter Picker: An Unassuming Cover
Another effective prop is the litter picker. By donning a high-visibility jacket and carrying a litter picker and bag, an operative can move freely around car parks and public spaces without attracting attention. “No one bats an eyelid. A litter picker can get as close to a subject as you want,” Henson notes. This cover allows the operative to remain in place for an hour or more, waiting for the subject to appear.
The Importance of Adaptability
The world of surveillance is constantly evolving, and so too are the props and disguises used by operatives. Henson emphasises the importance of adaptability and preparation. Operatives must be ready to change their appearance and story at a moment’s notice, blending into new environments as required. The ability to “gain a little bit of exposure, but then pull away, get changed, change a profile and potentially have that opportunity to go in close again” is what sets the best operatives apart.
The Human Side of Surveillance
While the technical aspects of surveillance are often highlighted in popular media, Henson’s insights reveal the human side of the profession. Success depends not just on gadgets and technology, but on creativity, quick thinking, and an understanding of human psychology. Props and disguises are tools, but it is the operative’s skill in using them that makes the difference.
Episode Final Thoughts
This latest episode of Titan PI TV offers a compelling look at the subtle art of surveillance. Through real-world examples and practical advice, Simon Henson demystifies the tools and techniques that allow operatives to remain unseen in plain sight. Whether it’s a branded delivery kit, a dog lead, or a litter picker, the right prop can make all the difference—turning an ordinary person into an invisible observer. For those interested in the realities of private investigation, Titan PI TV continues to provide invaluable insights, straight from the professionals who live and breathe the world of covert operations.
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