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The Crime Agents

Global
Policing
Metropolitan Police
Criminal Justice System
Public Safety
Counter-Terrorism Policing
Knife Crime
London
Counter-Terrorism
Shoplifting
Drug Trafficking
Violence
Crown Prosecution Service
Organized Crime
Terrorism
Public Trust In Police
Cocaine
Notting Hill Carnival
Youth Violence
Curtis Warren
999 Calls

If you want to understand what’s really happening on Britain’s streets, you need to hear this. The Crime Agents, the new podcast from the makers of The News Agents, goes beyond the headlines to uncover the truth behind crime that affects all of us. Why is violence rising? Why is public trust in the police collapsing? And what’s really driving young people to kill each other? Hosted by two insiders... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes91Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Crime Agents

Latest Episodes

Hampshire Constabulary — the same force that arrested murder victim Henry Nowak as he lay dying — is now under investigation for dismissing a rape report made by one of its own officers. Andy reveals how that failure had devastating consequences, and... more

Nearly 60,000 suspects skipped court in England and Wales last year. Thousands still haven't been found.

Investigative journalist Matt Shea has spent months tracking down some of Britain's most wanted fugitives – from safehouses in North London to r... more

As Belfast burned on Tuesday night, Andy was there. In this special episode, he delivers a full eyewitness report from the riots: the violence, the racism, and the fury that erupted on the streets of Northern Ireland's capital.

Andy & Neil explain h... more

The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest football tournament in history, but it could also be the most dangerous.

Andy reveals the shockingly small number of British police officers travelling to the US for the tournament, and explains why that makes ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Becki Houlston
Victim advocate and survivor who contributed to keeping Worboys behind bars
Center for Women's Justice (advocacy)
Episode: John Worboys: the true horror of the black cab rapist
Shelia Fogarty
Journalist, Presenter
BBC/LBC
Episode: James Bulger: the story that shocked the world
Cheska Hill-Wood
Former Harrods employee and survivor who spoke out about Al Fayed's abuse
Harrods
Episode: Mohamed Al Fayed: power, abuse & cover-up
Charlotte Littlewood
Former Prevent Practitioner and De-Radicalisation Expert
Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism / Former Prevent
Episode: ‘How Dare You!’ Zack Polanski vs The Police
Clive Driscoll
Detective Chief Inspector, leading the DCI on the Steven Lawrence investigation
Metropolitan Police
Episode: Cold case: how the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence was solved
Scott Hamer
Senior protection officer who protected Prince Andrew and the now-king for five years
Metropolitan Police / Royalty Protection Unit
Episode: Exclusive: Royal Protection Officer opens up on Andrew & Epstein
Matt Middleditch
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing's bomb disposal unit in London
Metropolitan Police Service
Episode: Terror attacks & warzones: life as a bomb disposal expert
Paul McCrory
Director of Map Adventures; ex-military
Map Adventures
Episode: Special Investigation: Inside Britain’s illegal care home crisis
Tom Wall
Fellow reporter; Bureau of Investigative Journalism collaborator
Bureau of Investigative Journalism
Episode: Special Investigation: Inside Britain’s illegal care home crisis

Hosts

Andy Hughes
LBC crime correspondent and investigative journalist with two decades reporting on criminal underworlds.
Neil Basu
Former Head of UK Counter-Terrorism Policing; ex-cop with deep experience in counter-extremism and major investigations.

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 247 ratings
  • For ex coppers = circle jerk

    Utterly depressing listen because you realise though some have learnt the right language little has changed in terms of attitude. These two present themselves as able to be critical but again and again the police are given the benefit of the doubt. They talk with rose tinted glasses about the force and their old days. The rather limp questioning of security/ former officers always ends in excuses and fawning over guests. They are part of the problem of ‘just a few bad apples’ attitude when the ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Aitch Bee
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Just brilliant

    Really enjoy this podcast, the two hosts are brilliant and really engaging to listen to

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MegsPodcasts
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Excellent podcast

    I am loving this podcast. Interesting topics, well presented with some great guests.

    Remind me, who’s Jeremy Hunt!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rainey 467
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Jeremy Hunt - Really

    Really Jeremy Hunt - commenting on NHS - is he really the best you could do. He helped break the NHS.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jac-scot
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • Rubbish

    Such poor low quality info and research - it’s basically made up

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    app user 1234455566
    United Kingdom5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Episodes that mix survivor stories with policy analysis are particularly impactful for listeners and potential sponsors.
Guest balance and expertise are a strong draw for listeners who want informed perspectives on crime and policing.
Co-hosts' experience helps unpack complex issues but can polarize some audiences.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#31
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#188
Italy/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#209
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#90
New Zealand/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#100
Ireland/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#132
Indonesia/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

John Worboys: the true horror of the black cab rapist
Q: Why did you feel you couldn't report to the police directly at the time, and what changed by 2018 to encourage coming forward?
She discusses the lack of confidence in the police, the trauma-informed approach missing at the time, and how advocacy groups and later media exposure created a safer channel for reporting and accountability.
John Worboys: the true horror of the black cab rapist
Q: Can you describe the moment you realized Worboys was the same man in 2008, and what went through your mind?
Becki explains recognizing the perpetrator from a local paper photo and recounts realizing the pattern of other victims and the police's prior failures, which made her question how the investigations had been handled and what more could have been done.
Q&A: Police 'Honeytraps' & should parents go to prison for their kids' crimes?
Q: Should prisoners have the right to vote?
They generally oppose automatic rights for those currently imprisoned, but support maintaining or restoring voting rights upon rehabilitation and release as part of a broader punishment and reintegration framework.
Q&A: Police 'Honeytraps' & should parents go to prison for their kids' crimes?
Q: What about the Colin Stagg honey trap scandal and undercover policing?
They acknowledge the controversy and note that undercover tactics can be helpful but also risky, with historical cases illustrating how such methods can backfire and influence outcomes.
Q&A: Police 'Honeytraps' & should parents go to prison for their kids' crimes?
Q: If a Brit commits a crime abroad, can they be charged in the UK on their return?
Yes, for serious offences, via extra-territorial jurisdiction, but practical extradition requires evidence and international cooperation, and double jeopardy rules may apply in some cases.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Crime Agents

What is The Crime Agents about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hard-edged look at crime, policing, and public trust in modern Britain, driven by two veteran insiders who bring frontline policing experience and investigative journalism to every episode. Episodes cover topics from counter-terrorism and high-profile investigations to gang dynamics, gender-based violence, and systemic policing reforms, often interweaving survivor testimonies, expert analysis, and policy implications. Listeners can expect candid debates, practical policing insights, and a willingness to challenge official narratives, with a preference for accountability and nuanced coverage over idealized portrayals. Noteworthy is the blend of personal policing experience with investigative rigor, producing a front-row view into how crime... more

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How many listeners does The Crime Agents get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Crime Agents have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Crime Agents?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Crime Agents:

1. The News Agents - USA
2. The News Agents
3. Full Disclosure with James O'Brien
4. The Rest Is Politics
5. Newscast

How many episodes of The Crime Agents are there?

The Crime Agents launched a year ago and published 91 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Crime Agents?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Crime Agents?

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What guests have appeared on The Crime Agents?

Recent guests on The Crime Agents include:

1. Becki Houlston
2. Shelia Fogarty
3. Cheska Hill-Wood
4. Charlotte Littlewood
5. Clive Driscoll
6. Scott Hamer
7. Matt Middleditch
8. Paul McCrory

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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