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The Crime Agents

Global
Criminal Justice System
Crown Prosecution Service
Policing
Counter-Terrorism
Victims Of Crime
Judicial System
Shoplifting
Legal Aid
Assault
Rehabilitation
Covid-19
Gang Culture
Shamima Begum
Magistrates' Court
Murder Charges
Prison System
Youth Crime
Far-Right Extremism
Knife Crime
Counter-Terrorism Policing

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 weeklyEpisodes69Founded10 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeSociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Crime Agents

Latest Episodes

Figures show that over 100 police officers are assaulted every day in the UK - so is it time for them all to carry a Taser in self-defence? Can all officers be trusted to carry these 'less lethal' weapons? Neil draws on his experience as former natio... more

Levi Bellfield was the first British prisoner to be sentenced to not one, but two whole life orders. He murdered three women, including the schoolgirl Milly Dowler, and was also convicted of multiple rapes and another attempted murder. In this episod... more

In this week's Q&A episode, Neil reveals why he was once the subject of a death threat - and how one of his colleagues used some old-school tactics to deal with it. Meanwhile, Andy explains why the bomb squad were once called out to his house, and wh... more

This week, Andy & Neil take a deep-dive into the manosphere: a world of toxic misogyny and con artists. But where exactly is the line between influence and incitement? When does ideology cross a line into criminality? What more, if anything, can poli... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

Victoria Baines
Professor of cyber security and online safety; former law enforcement professional
University/Former law enforcement
Episode: The manosphere: how dangerous are these toxic influencers?
Vanessa Frake
Former governor of Wyrmwood Scrubs, veteran prison service
Prison Service
Episode: Ian Huntley killed in prison attack: how and why?
Lib Peck
Director of London's Violence Reduction Unit
London's Violence Reduction Unit
Episode: Who’s winning the war on gang violence?
Sammy Odoi
Youth worker involved with the Violence Reduction Unit
London's Violence Reduction Unit
Episode: Who’s winning the war on gang violence?
Duncan Ferguson
Former footballer known for his toughness on the pitch, narrated his personal experience with a burglary
Everton
Episode: The gangs targeting Premier League stars
Richie Mockler
Legendary veteran Sky News cameraman
Sky News
Episode: Cheating death: ‘I was ambushed by Russian hitmen’
Lewis Goodall
Co-host of The News Agents and self-confessed politics nerd
The News Agents
Episode: Mandelson, Epstein & Andrew: when power and policing collide
Sir Jeremy Hunt
Former Health Secretary
Episode: Lucy Letby: time for a retrial?
Sarah Jones
Policing Minister
Home Office
Episode: ‘Britain’s FBI’: how will it work?

Hosts

Andy Hughes
Crime journalist and co-host with frontline policing insight; has served as a correspondent exposing criminal underworlds and investigative work.
Neil Basu
Former Head of UK Counter-Terrorism Policing and high-level crime/policing expert; brings strategic and operational experience to discussions.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 205 ratings
  • 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 Kingdom25 days 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 Kingdom2 months ago
  • Rubbish

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

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    app user 1234455566
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Top podcast

    Really insightful podcast about crime by people who know their stuff.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    @josephhug
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • One sided podcast

    left wing opinions throughout

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Nickname@100
    United Kingdom7 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Insightful, well-reasoned discussions with expert guests.
Great depth from two insiders; high credibility on complex topics.
Balanced yet critical take on policing and policy, not just sensational crime.
Excellent balance of journalism and law-enforcement insight.
Polarizing at times, but provides thoughtful analysis.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#159
United Kingdom/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#16
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#219
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#109
Spain/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#111
Ireland/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#125
Brazil/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Q&A: Death threats, Soham Murders & why does Andrew still have protection officers?
Q: Fiona asks why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor still receives protection despite no longer being a working royal.
The discussion explains that protection decisions are based on threat, risk, and impact assessments; details of specific protection status aren't disclosed publicly, but high-level processes involve risk management boards and national security committees.
Q&A: Death threats, Soham Murders & why does Andrew still have protection officers?
Q: Ian asks about the Soham murders and the broader safeguarding legacy—how did it change policing and safeguarding?
The hosts describe the Bishard Inquiry findings, the creation of a national intelligence database to share information across forces, and the strengthened vetting and safeguarding requirements for anyone working with children, which fundamentally reshaped policy and practice across agencies.
Q&A: Death threats, Soham Murders & why does Andrew still have protection officers?
Q: Gabrielle asks how a death threat happened and how safety is balanced with life going on.
The guests explain that threats are relatively common for officers in certain units; protection is never perfect, and immediate risk assessments, along with operational responses, are what matter most. They emphasize practical steps over bureaucratic delays to keep people safe while continuing work.
Ian Huntley killed in prison attack: how and why?
Q: What reforms could make prisons safer and more rehabilitative?
Vanessa advocates for reduced overcrowding, improved training and pay for staff, expanded rehabilitation programs, addiction services, and external facilities, arguing that safer prisons require systemic investment rather than punitive, isolated fixes.
Ian Huntley killed in prison attack: how and why?
Q: Why do inmates target individuals like Ian Huntley for attacks?
The guest describes how Huntley's high-profile crimes against children make him a prime target for violence in prison, driven by stigma, karmic retribution narratives, and the perverse logic of the prison hierarchy.

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?

This show centers on crime, policing, and public safety from the perspective of two insiders with frontline experience. Across episodes, topics span counter-terrorism, gang violence, high-profile investigations, reform debates, and the interplay between policy, media scrutiny, and community impact. The format blends practical policing insights with investigative journalism, often featuring guests from law enforcement, policy, journalism, and violence-reduction initiatives. Notable strengths include a hands-on, experience-forward approach and a willingness to tackle controversial issues with nuance, making it useful for listeners who want actionable context behind headlines.

A standout aspect is the direct, first-hand framing—two hosts who ... 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?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Crime Agents has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Crime Agents?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Crime Agents:

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

How many episodes of The Crime Agents are there?

The Crime Agents launched 10 months ago and published 69 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. Victoria Baines
2. Vanessa Frake
3. Lib Peck
4. Sammy Odoi
5. Duncan Ferguson
6. Richie Mockler
7. Lewis Goodall
8. Sir Jeremy Hunt

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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