Challenge25

Challenge25 Working with the licensed trade, supermarkets and off-licences in Challenge 25, providing training,

Training: Our Fixed-Price training days at your premises are inexpensive from as little as £13.75 / person for a 2-3 hour course with tutors. The course will keep staff up to date, and keep you in good standing with the authorities, protecting your licence and your livelihood

30/05/2026

TRAILER - Moonlighting | Detective Diaries
To hear the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74VGzp064lCUjMWjuwVKXH?si=2be9f2421db64acc
In this week's episode, we’re diving into a phenomenon that’s becoming increasingly common in the modern workplace: Moonlighting. But we’re not talking about the 80s TV show—though there's plenty of drama here too. We’re talking about employees who lead double lives, working second jobs (often for competitors) on their company’s dime.
Inside the Investigation
When an employer suspects a staff member isn't just "working from home" but actually "working for someone else," they call in the experts at Answers Investigation. This episode explores the high-stakes world of corporate surveillance and the legal minefields investigators must navigate to prove a breach of contract.
We sit down with lead investigators to discuss:

The Red Flags: How a simple drop in productivity or a suspicious LinkedIn update can trigger a full-scale corporate inquiry.
The Financial Toll: Beyond the lost hours, we look at the massive financial cost to employers through stolen trade secrets and resource misappropriation.
Surveillance Tactics: How modern P*s use a blend of old-school "trench-coat" tailing and cutting-edge digital forensics to catch double-dippers in the act.

Key Discussion Points

The Reputational Risk: Why moonlighting isn't just a HR headache—it’s a threat to a brand’s integrity and client trust.
Legal Intricacies: Navigating strict UK privacy laws while gathering admissible evidence for industrial tribunals.
Real-World Case Study: A deep dive into a recent investigation where a "star employee" was found running a rival start-up during their lunch breaks.

Why This Matters
Whether you’re a business owner protecting your assets or a curious listener interested in the ethics of the modern side-hustle, this episode offers a rare look at the invisible battles fought in the shadows of the corporate world.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Connect With Us

Official Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Email Us: [email protected]
Follow on Socials: Join our community for behind-the-scenes insights and case updates.

Hashtags:

Do you suspect a "double-dipper" in your organization, or have you ever successfully caught a moonlighter? Let us know your thoughts by reaching out to our team at [email protected]

In this gripping episode of Detective Diaries, titled Moonlighting, we dive into a case that blurs the lines between professional duty and personal secrecy. What begins as a routine investigation quickly unravels into a tangled web of hidden identities, late-night dealings, and motives that are anything but straightforward.
The story centers on a respected professional whose seemingly ordinary life conceals a second, far more dangerous existence. When a suspicious incident occurs under the cover of darkness, detectives are forced to confront a perplexing question: how well can you ever truly know someone? As evidence begins to surface, it becomes clear that this is not just a case of wrongdoing—it’s a carefully constructed double life.
Throughout the episode, listeners are taken step-by-step through the investigative process. From the initial crime scene analysis to the painstaking collection of witness statements, Moonlighting highlights the meticulous work that goes into uncovering the truth. The detectives follow a trail of inconsistencies—odd work schedules, unexplained absences, and financial irregularities—that slowly point toward a hidden reality.
What makes this episode particularly compelling is its exploration of motive. Why would someone risk everything to lead a double life? The detectives examine the psychological and emotional factors at play, shedding light on the pressures, ambitions, or secrets that can drive a person to such extremes. As the narrative unfolds, listeners are encouraged to consider the complexities of human behavior and the masks people wear in their daily lives.
The tension builds as the investigation reaches a turning point, revealing connections that were previously overlooked. Key interviews and unexpected revelations shift the direction of the case, forcing detectives to reassess their assumptions. Each new piece of evidence adds another layer to the mystery, keeping listeners engaged and guessing until the very end.
Moonlighting also underscores the importance of persistence in detective work. Leads go cold, theories fall apart, and progress can feel frustratingly slow. Yet, it is the determination of the investigative team that ultimately drives the case forward. Their ability to adapt, question, and dig deeper proves crucial in uncovering the truth.
As the episode concludes, the full scope of the double life is brought into focus, offering a resolution that is both surprising and thought-provoking. The case serves as a powerful reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that even the most ordinary lives can harbour extraordinary secrets.
Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or simply fascinated by human psychology, Moonlighting delivers a compelling blend of suspense, insight, and real-world detective work. Tune in to experience a story where nothing is quite as it seems—and where the truth only comes to light after dark.

27/05/2026

TRAILER: Dissertation: Forgiving Offenders | Detective Diaries – Episode Show Notes
Episode Description
For the full broadcast see: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4fcuGlf8PGjqXSQr2gmxwi?si=388a01dd4df5422d
In this episode of Detective Diaries, we dive deep into the psychological and academic side of justice. We explore a groundbreaking dissertation focused on the complex process of forgiving offenders. Can true healing exist alongside criminal justice? Join us as we break down the research, interview experts, and examine real-world case studies that challenge everything we know about closure.
Key Takeaways

The Research: An overview of the core methodology and findings of the dissertation.
Justice vs. Forgiveness: Why letting go of resentment does not mean letting offenders off the hook.
Psychological Impact: How forgiveness alters the trauma response in victims of crime.
Rehabilitation: The role of restorative justice in modern criminal rehabilitation.

The Reality of Post-Prison Stigma: Exploring how societal labelling creates invisible barriers for individuals post-release.
Gender-Based Biases in Forgiveness: Analysing whether the public judges male and female ex-offenders differently.
The Psychology of Public Perception: Understanding what drives communities to either embrace or reject rehabilitated individuals.
Impact on UK Recidivism Rates: Examining how systemic stigma directly influences reoffending statistics.
The Role of Forensic Experts: Discovering how frontline fingerprint and investigative professionals view rehabilitation.

Deep Dive
Read the full dissertation and research data directly on the Answers Investigation Website.
Support the Show
If you love pulling back the curtain on the gritty, complex world of real investigation, help our independent podcast grow!

Subscribe: Hit the follow button on Detective Diaries on Spotify or find us on the Podbean App so you never miss an episode.
Leave a Review: Ratings and written reviews help other true crime and forensic investigation enthusiasts find our diaries.



Connect with Us

Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Contact: Email the Podcast Team [email protected]

Hashtags
#

25/05/2026

Dissertation: Forgiving Offenders | Detective Diaries – Episode Show Notes
Episode Description
In this episode of Detective Diaries, we dive deep into the psychological and academic side of justice. We explore a groundbreaking dissertation focused on the complex process of forgiving offenders. Can true healing exist alongside criminal justice? Join us as we break down the research, interview experts, and examine real-world case studies that challenge everything we know about closure.
Key Takeaways

The Research: An overview of the core methodology and findings of the dissertation.
Justice vs. Forgiveness: Why letting go of resentment does not mean letting offenders off the hook.
Psychological Impact: How forgiveness alters the trauma response in victims of crime.
Rehabilitation: The role of restorative justice in modern criminal rehabilitation.

The Reality of Post-Prison Stigma: Exploring how societal labelling creates invisible barriers for individuals post-release.
Gender-Based Biases in Forgiveness: Analysing whether the public judges male and female ex-offenders differently.
The Psychology of Public Perception: Understanding what drives communities to either embrace or reject rehabilitated individuals.
Impact on UK Recidivism Rates: Examining how systemic stigma directly influences reoffending statistics.
The Role of Forensic Experts: Discovering how frontline fingerprint and investigative professionals view rehabilitation.

Deep Dive
Read the full dissertation and research data directly on the Answers Investigation Website.
Support the Show
If you love pulling back the curtain on the gritty, complex world of real investigation, help our independent podcast grow!

Subscribe: Hit the follow button on Detective Diaries on Spotify or find us on the Podbean App so you never miss an episode.
Leave a Review: Ratings and written reviews help other true crime and forensic investigation enthusiasts find our diaries.



Connect with Us

Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Contact: Email the Podcast Team [email protected]

Hashtags
#

21/05/2026

TRAILER: Metod Trobec Ljubljana
Slovenia Serial Killer | Detective Diaries – Episode Show Notes
Listen to the whole episode at https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PtkSqjY9x8oW2BPYCuvFX?si=9432c881c0814f28
Episode Summary
In this gripping episode of Detective Diaries, presented by Answers Investigation, we look beyond traditional UK operations to analyse one of the most infamous and chilling dark corners of European criminal history.
We pull back the curtain on the terrifying case of Metod Trobec, a career criminal who became Slovenia’s most notorious serial killer. Operating from a hidden homestead in Dolenja Vas pri Polhovem Gradcu between 1976 and 1978, Trobec preyed upon vulnerable women, destroying the evidence of his horrific crimes inside a wood-burning stove.
Our investigative team takes you step-by-step through his deceptive double life, the shocking gaps in early regional law enforcement, and the forensic deduction required to piece together a case where physical evidence had literally been turned to ash.
Key Discussion Points

The Monster of Dolenja Vas: A deep dive into the criminal history and psychology of Metod Trobec, a man whose name remains more widely recognized in the region than most politicians.
Forensic Challenges of Cremation: How investigators handle a crime scene when traditional physical evidence has been thoroughly destroyed, and the role of forensic science in uncovering micro-traces.
Preying on the Vulnerable: An analysis of Trobec's victims, his methodology for trapping them, and how he successfully managed to hide in plain sight for years.
The Final Death Sentence: The legal history behind his trial, how he became the last convict ever sentenced to death in Slovenia, and the subsequent commutation that kept him behind bars until his su***de in 2006.
International Case Analysis: Why modern private investigators study historic European cold cases to sharpen their own deduction, surveillance, and pattern-recognition skills.


Featured Quotes
"When a killer utilizes fire, they believe they have erased their history. But to an analytical investigator, the truth always leaves a footprint."— Detective Diaries Investigative Team
Support the Show
If you love pulling back the curtain on the gritty, complex world of real investigation, help our independent podcast grow!

Subscribe: Hit the follow button on Detective Diaries on Spotify or find us on the Podbean App so you never miss an episode.
Leave a Review: Ratings and written reviews help other true crime and forensic investigation enthusiasts find our diaries.



Connect with Us

Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Contact: Email the Podcast Team [email protected]

Hashtags
#
Parsons Killer

18/05/2026

Slovenia Serial Killer | Detective Diaries – Episode Show Notes
Episode Summary
In this gripping episode of Detective Diaries, presented by Answers Investigation, we look beyond traditional UK operations to analyse one of the most infamous and chilling dark corners of European criminal history.
We pull back the curtain on the terrifying case of Metod Trobec, a career criminal who became Slovenia’s most notorious serial killer. Operating from a hidden homestead in Dolenja Vas pri Polhovem Gradcu between 1976 and 1978, Trobec preyed upon vulnerable women, destroying the evidence of his horrific crimes inside a wood-burning stove.
Our investigative team takes you step-by-step through his deceptive double life, the shocking gaps in early regional law enforcement, and the forensic deduction required to piece together a case where physical evidence had literally been turned to ash.
Key Discussion Points

The Monster of Dolenja Vas: A deep dive into the criminal history and psychology of Metod Trobec, a man whose name remains more widely recognized in the region than most politicians.
Forensic Challenges of Cremation: How investigators handle a crime scene when traditional physical evidence has been thoroughly destroyed, and the role of forensic science in uncovering micro-traces.
Preying on the Vulnerable: An analysis of Trobec's victims, his methodology for trapping them, and how he successfully managed to hide in plain sight for years.
The Final Death Sentence: The legal history behind his trial, how he became the last convict ever sentenced to death in Slovenia, and the subsequent commutation that kept him behind bars until his su***de in 2006.
International Case Analysis: Why modern private investigators study historic European cold cases to sharpen their own deduction, surveillance, and pattern-recognition skills.


Featured Quotes
"When a killer utilizes fire, they believe they have erased their history. But to an analytical investigator, the truth always leaves a footprint."— Detective Diaries Investigative Team
Support the Show
If you love pulling back the curtain on the gritty, complex world of real investigation, help our independent podcast grow!

Subscribe: Hit the follow button on Detective Diaries on Spotify or find us on the Podbean App so you never miss an episode.
Leave a Review: Ratings and written reviews help other true crime and forensic investigation enthusiasts find our diaries.



Connect with Us

Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Contact: Email the Podcast Team [email protected]

Hashtags
#
Parsons Killer

12/05/2026

Episode Summary – Professor Emma Short Part 2
In this episode of Detective Diaries, we sit down again with Professor Emma Short, a leading psychologist specialising in the impact of cybercrime and online harassment. Hosted by the team at Answers Investigation, the discussion explores the psychological toll of digital stalking and how modern investigators can better support victims in the digital age.
To listen to Episode 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XYEFhmV0AIdtrVJNAzqSt?si=0b2bbaed49844dd9
Key Discussion Points

The Evolution of Stalking: Professor Short discusses how stalking has migrated from the physical world to the digital realm and the unique challenges this presents for law enforcement.
Psychological Impact: An in-depth look at the trauma and "nightmare state" victims experience when facing persistent online harassment.
Digital Footprints: How investigators use digital evidence to identify perpetrators and build cases against cyber-stalkers.
Supporting Victims: Best practices for detectives when interviewing and managing the mental well-being of those affected by cyber-related crimes.

About the Guest
Professor Emma Short is a renowned psychologist and academic who has dedicated her career to researching the social and psychological effects of cyberstalking and harassment. Her work has been instrumental in shaping how the UK legal system and private investigators approach digital victimology.



Credits:
Interviewer: Harry Watts
Interview with: Professor Emma Short
Readers: Etienne Middleton, Freya Holmberg
Learn more by visiting www.private-detectives.co.uk
Company details at www.private-detectives.co.uk/
To contact us email [email protected]
Tel: +44 207 158 0332

08/05/2026

TRAILER: Detective Diaries Episode Show Notes: Private Detectives & Police
Listen to the whole episode on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/2VlzvwNNawbaV9aBnzMxad?si=443abc144c694d76 and on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-detectives-police/id1841629274?i=1000766244497
Episode Summary
In this episode of Detective Diaries, we bridge the gap between the public and private sectors of investigation. We explore how former police officers transition into the world of private detection and how the two disciplines often overlap—and occasionally clash. From the procedural rigour of Scotland Yard to the flexible, client-driven strategies of a private firm, our hosts dive into the essential differences in mindset, legal powers, and investigative tools.
Key Discussion Points

The Transition: How retired law enforcement officers adapt their skills to the private sector and the "unlearning" required for non-police environments.
Powers & Limitations: A comparison of police statutory powers versus the civil and contractual framework that governs Private Investigators (P*s).
Collaborative Cases: Real-world examples where private detectives pick up where the police left off, particularly in cases of corporate fraud, missing persons, and cold cases.
The "Private Eye" Advantage: Why certain cases benefit from the specialized attention, trilingual skills, or digital forensics that private firms can provide more rapidly than public services.
Ethics & Accountability: Navigating the legal and moral boundaries when conducting surveillance and gathering evidence in the private domain.


Featured Quotes
"Is it legal, is it moral, and is it ethical? That’s the baseline for everything we do." — Harry Watts
Support the Show
If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of international investigation, please help us grow!

Subscribe: Hit the follow or subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode.
Leave a Review: Ratings and reviews help other true crime and investigation fans find us. If you have comments to make, please do write them!

Recommendation:
Listen to our interview with Chief Superintendent Robert Hoblin about his career in the Police – see https://open.spotify.com/episode/1l3Gbh8Ndi0i24zh0uX25s?si=253ef485b51847b9

Connect with Us

Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Contact: Email the Podcast Team [email protected]

Hashtags
#
Watts Parsons

05/05/2026

Detective Diaries Episode Show Notes: Private Detectives & Police
Episode Summary
In this episode of Detective Diaries, we bridge the gap between the public and private sectors of investigation. We explore how former police officers transition into the world of private detection and how the two disciplines often overlap—and occasionally clash. From the procedural rigour of Scotland Yard to the flexible, client-driven strategies of a private firm, our hosts dive into the essential differences in mindset, legal powers, and investigative tools.
Key Discussion Points

The Transition: How retired law enforcement officers adapt their skills to the private sector and the "unlearning" required for non-police environments.
Powers & Limitations: A comparison of police statutory powers versus the civil and contractual framework that governs Private Investigators (P*s).
Collaborative Cases: Real-world examples where private detectives pick up where the police left off, particularly in cases of corporate fraud, missing persons, and cold cases.
The "Private Eye" Advantage: Why certain cases benefit from the specialized attention, trilingual skills, or digital forensics that private firms can provide more rapidly than public services.
Ethics & Accountability: Navigating the legal and moral boundaries when conducting surveillance and gathering evidence in the private domain.


Featured Quotes
"Is it legal, is it moral, and is it ethical? That’s the baseline for everything we do." — Harry Watts
Support the Show
If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of international investigation, please help us grow!

Subscribe: Hit the follow or subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode.
Leave a Review: Ratings and reviews help other true crime and investigation fans find us. If you have comments to make, please do write them!

Recommendation:
Listen to our interview with Chief Superintendent Robert Hoblin about his career in the Police – see https://open.spotify.com/episode/1l3Gbh8Ndi0i24zh0uX25s?si=253ef485b51847b9

Connect with Us

Website: Answers Investigation
Fingerprinting Services: UK Fingerprint
Contact: Email the Podcast Team [email protected]

Hashtags
#
Watts Parsons

02/05/2026

Trailer: Eight Years a Detective
To hear the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3GntMpzttLU4h9eJKetxAd?si=76a9c7bef8ac49b3
To hear the full episode on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eight-years-a-detective/id1841629274?i=1000728046112

What does it actually take to survive and thrive as a modern private investigator? In this episode of Detective Diaries, we sit down with Harry Watts, a seasoned investigator at Answers Investigation, as he reflects on his eight-year journey from an undergraduate placement to a forensic specialist.
Forget the cinematic "trench-coat" stereotypes. Harry peels back the curtain on the reality of the industry, where digital forensics, human psychology, and unorthodox problem-solving are the true tools of the trade. We dive deep into the evolution of the profession—moving from simple surveillance to complex cold case reconstructions—and what it means to hunt for the truth in an increasingly digital world.
In this episode of Detective Diaries, titled “Eight Years a Detective,” we take a deep, unfiltered look into the realities of long-term service in law enforcement. This installment offers a reflective and deeply human perspective on what it means to dedicate nearly a decade to investigative work—beyond the headlines, beyond the drama, and into the personal toll, growth, and transformation that come with the badge.

The episode centers on the journey of a seasoned detective who has spent eight years navigating complex cases, evolving challenges, and the shifting emotional landscape of the job. From the early days of uncertainty and steep learning curves to the later years marked by confidence, instinct, and hard-earned wisdom, listeners are guided through the arc of a career that is as demanding as it is impactful.

One of the key themes explored is how the role changes over time. In the beginning, it’s about proving yourself—learning procedures, earning trust, and surviving the pressure. But as the years progress, the job becomes less about simply solving cases and more about understanding people: victims, suspects, colleagues, and even oneself. The detective shares how intuition develops, how patterns become clearer, and how experience shapes decision-making in ways no training ever could.
The episode also doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight carried over eight years. It highlights the cumulative impact of exposure to trauma, loss, and high-stakes situations. Listeners gain insight into how detectives cope—or sometimes struggle to cope—with what they see on a daily basis. There’s an honest discussion about burnout, resilience, and the importance of support systems both داخل and outside the force.

Another compelling aspect is the evolution of perspective. What once seemed black-and-white becomes increasingly complex. The detective reflects on how their understanding of justice, morality, and human behavior has shifted over time. Cases are no longer just puzzles to solve—they are stories with real consequences, often leaving a lasting imprint long after they’re closed.

The episode also touches on the personal sacrifices that come with the job. Missed family moments, strained relationships, and the challenge of maintaining a sense of normalcy are all part of the narrative. Yet, there is also a sense of pride and purpose that continues to drive the detective forward—a belief that the work, despite its challenges, truly matters.

Ultimately, “Eight Years a Detective” is not just about policing—it’s about growth, endurance, and identity. It paints a nuanced picture of a profession often misunderstood, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the lived experience behind the role. Whether you’re interested in true crime, psychology, or personal stories of resilience, this episode delivers a compelling and thought-provoking listen.


Key Discussion Points

From Placement to Professional: Harry shares how he started his career as a student and evolved into a lead investigator, highlighting the shift from traditional surveillance to specialized forensic science.
The Art of Blending In: Why "9 to 5" doesn’t exist in this world and the vital importance of being "invisible" while navigating everyday environments to gather evidence.
Unorthodox Case Reconstructions: A detailed look at a high-stakes cold case where Harry and his team recreated a swimming pool death scene—complete with underwater recreations—to find the answers the authorities missed.
The Ethical Compass: How modern P*s balance the legal, moral, and ethical boundaries of their work, especially when dealing with sensitive matters like divorce or corporate fraud.
The Future of Forensics: Discussing the essential role of mobile and audio forensics in modern investigations and how digital footprints often tell the story that witnesses won't.

Featured Quotes
"Is it legal, is it moral, and is it ethical? That’s the baseline for everything we do."— Harry Watts
"Don't just follow what you've been told… If it's unorthodox and you like it, chase it."— Harry Watts

About the Guest
Harry Watts
is a veteran investigator with Answers Investigation. Over the last eight years, he has established himself as an expert in blending traditional field skills with cutting-edge digital forensics. His work covers everything from international surveillance to complex forensic identification.


Resources & Links

Official Website: Answers Investigation
Forensic Services: UK Fingerprint
Get Involved: Have a case you want us to discuss? Email us at [email protected]

Stay Connected
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow us for behind-the-scenes content and updates on our latest investigations.
Hashtags:

Address

66A High Street
Godalming
GU272LA

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Challenge25 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Challenge25:

Share

Category