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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
Public Trust In Police
Violence
Crown Prosecution Service
Organized Crime
Terrorism
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 weeklyEpisodes97Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureTrue Crime

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Artwork for The Crime Agents

Latest Episodes

On 22 May 2013, Fusilier Lee Rigby was murdered in broad daylight on a London street. His killers didn't flee, they waited, bloodied weapons in hand, and spoke to camera. It remains one of the most shocking terrorist attacks on British soil.

Neil wa... more

Should a police commissioner publicly criticise the mayor who holds him to account? Sir Mark Rowley did exactly that after Sadiq Khan blocked the Met from working with Palantir, the AI company built on CIA technology. Neil explains the unwritten rule... more

YouTube

Valdo Calocane was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He'd been arrested and sectioned for violent offences multiple times. He was known to carry knives. And yet on a June morning in 2023, he was free to roam the streets of Nottingham, where he k... more

YouTube

Andy Burnham looks to be on the cusp of becoming the next Prime Minister. In this Q&A episode, Andy and Neil reveal how police work out which politicians need close protection, and whether Burnham will automatically be getting extra security now he's... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Matt Shea
Investigative journalist who fronted Channel 4 Dispatches investigation into court non-attendance
Channel 4 Dispatches
Episode: Britain's most wanted: hunting down fugitives
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

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
  • Get the facts

    These guys reckon there’s no tier policing in the UK when it’s so blatantly evident. Govt has spent $millions training cops re how to handle differing ethnics. M/while, they are throwing English Caucasians in gaol for complaining on social media. You two guys are part of the problem. Once a bad cop always a bad cop.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    bob--C
    Australiaa month ago
  • Bit stale male for me

    Covers some interesting topics but Andy’s right wing views lack insight and are unsurprisingly uninformed for a journalist. He makes Neil (the cop who’s done every job in the met) seem almost empathetic and sensible. The narrative on crime and justice, the reasons for offending and the huge disparities between how people of colour are treated versus white people need to be analysed and challenged, and this podcast unfortunately does not do that. How about a series of episodes on the Lambeth CSA ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Azalea Blooms
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Very interesting

    Take a break from the numerous political pundits and sometimes tedious history podcasts and listen to their respectful and analytical, boots-on-the-ground approach to true crime in the UK.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Randiappleby
    Canadaa month ago
  • Give these guys their own TV Show!!!

    Simply fantastic, my top and best podcast. I love the content and the hosts are spectacular. Their delivery is highly engaging and when I listen, I’m totally engrossed and forget the outside world. I often do reruns, it’s that good! Excellent work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Spikey Red
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • 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 Kingdom2 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
#26
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#214
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#250
Italy/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#57
Japan/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#151
Singapore/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#176
India/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Q&A: The Palantir block, tipping off MI5 & 24 Hours in Police Custody
Q: What do you make of your mate, Mark Rowley, criticizing Sadiq Khan over the mayor's intervention to block the Met from doing a deal with Palantir? Is it appropriate for a police commissioner to wade into politics?
The discussion emphasizes that chiefs should be apolitical public servants, but they also must be accountable to the public; the balance is delicate and depends on timing, legality, and how it affects policing performance.
Q&A: Andy Burnham’s police protection, Edinburgh machete attack & Peter Murrell's sentence
Q: Explain the concept of a 'trial of facts' and how it differs from a normal criminal trial?
A trial of facts determines whether the acts occurred without deciding criminal guilt (mens rea may not be proven); if acts are admitted but mental capacity prevents trial, the outcome may involve hospital or supervision orders rather than a conviction.
Q&A: Andy Burnham’s police protection, Edinburgh machete attack & Peter Murrell's sentence
Q: Why did the Edinburgh machete attack receive less attention despite multiple injuries and Muslim victims?
Media attention correlates strongly with whether there are fatalities and perceived shock; the absence of deaths often reduces the perceived newsworthiness, though experts note concerns about two-tier policing and visibility for different communities.
Q&A: Andy Burnham’s police protection, Edinburgh machete attack & Peter Murrell's sentence
Q: What are your thoughts on the Peter Murrell case and the sentence given for embezzlement of SNP funds?
The sentence of five years and a few months is viewed as a deterrent for a public figure in a position of trust, reflecting that abuse of party funds undermines public confidence and governance integrity.
Q&A: Andy Burnham’s police protection, Edinburgh machete attack & Peter Murrell's sentence
Q: Does Andy Burnham get police protection now he is an MP, and would it be more than other MPs if he becomes Prime Minister?
Protection in the UK is not automatic for all MPs; it is assessed based on threat and risk, and only a subset receive close protection. If he becomes Prime Minister, protected status would likely increase, but ordinary MPs do not routinely have personal protection.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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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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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. The Rest Is Politics
4. Full Disclosure with James O'Brien
5. Newscast

How many episodes of The Crime Agents are there?

The Crime Agents launched a year ago and published 97 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Crime Agents?

Recent guests on The Crime Agents include:

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

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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