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Artwork for The Crime Agents

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 weeklyEpisodes103Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Crime Agents

Latest Episodes

Killers and sex offenders were being lined up for early release later this year - until new PM Andy Burnham paused the scheme. Was that the right call? Can letting people convicted of serious offences out after half their sentence ever be justified? ... more

You've seen the Hollywood movies - but what is hostage negotiation really like?

John Sutherland spent decades as one of the Met Police's most accomplished crisis negotiators. In this episode, he gives Andy and Neil the inside track: how it feels to ... more

YouTube

A 14-year-old boy was recently charged with terrorism offences. Were Andy and Neil surprised? Less than you might think. They explain what's behind the trend in terror suspects getting younger and why it should worry us.

They also take on the new Hi... more

Many people called it an act of war. The 2018 Salisbury Poisonings remains one of the most infamous criminal cases in British history - and Neil was the man who led the investigation.

In this episode, he reveals how police, the security services and... more

Key Facts

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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

Tommy Robinson
Guest on episode (referred to as a back-on-our-podcast guest)
Far-right activist and public figure
Episode: The Salisbury Poisonings: the day Putin attacked Britain
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

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 259 ratings
  • Disappointing

    Only you 2 could turn an episode on fusilier rigbey into a right wing hate fest. What horrible rats

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Stevoc1872
    United Kingdom25 days ago
  • One of the best

    This combination of hosts is excellent. It’s nice to find a cop who was genuinely trying to do the right thing. My experience of cops is very different!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jerrymarks
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • A tale of 2 halves

    Neil Basu is excellent. Very interesting insight and perspective. The other presenter is just so lightweight. Spoils an otherwise excellent series.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Notanotherprofile
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • 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
    Australia2 months 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 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.

YouTube
#187
United Kingdom/Popular Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#34
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#111
Ireland/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#118
Singapore/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#150
Hong Kong/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#161
Brazil/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Q&A: Rochdale grooming gang leader & should sex offenders ever get early release?
Q: Anonymous asked about views on early release of sex offenders and the Good Government Early Release Scheme, including a case where a survivor's daughter was affected.
Both hosts critique early release for sex offenses, arguing minimums should be two-thirds to potentially two-thirds plus; they express strong opposition to 33% release and emphasize protecting victims and maintaining public trust.
Q&A: Rochdale grooming gang leader & should sex offenders ever get early release?
Q: Alex asked about how unusual it is for the Court of Appeal to intervene in rapist youth sentencing and whether the outcome is right now.
They describe the Hampshire/Southampton case as an example, explain the rarity of Court of Appeal intervention, and discuss factors in youth sentencing and the need for clear guidelines and public confidence.
Q&A: Rochdale grooming gang leader & should sex offenders ever get early release?
Q: Michael asked, do you support a change in the law to allow the leader of the Rochdale grooming gang to be deported from the UK?
The hosts explain the background on Shabir Ahmed, note that deportation is blocked by the Immigration Act 1971, and discuss political pressure and practical hurdles while expressing support for changing the law to make deportation possible where appropriate.
Q&A: Child terror suspects, Hillsborough Law & how long do police keep fingerprints on record?
Q: What are the implications of the Hillsborough law for culture and accountability in public institutions, and will it actually change behavior or just legal protection strategies?
The hosts suggest the law could help equalize the arms of law and ensure families obtain legal avenues to obtain justice, but they express concern that organizations will mainly leverage it to shield themselves, potentially driving up legal costs while still not fully changing culture.
Q&A: Ann Widdecombe, the Flying Squad and should the IRGC be banned?
Q: Jenny on TikTok asks about prescribing the IRGC and what difference it will make in the UK, and whether it's a watershed moment or more limited in impact?
Prescribing the IRGC extends legal powers for counterterrorism policing and allows greater disruption of activity; while it represents a significant diplomatic and legal step, the practical impact depends on how authorities deploy new powers and international cooperation; historically, prescribing such an arm of a state is a major decision with broad implications.

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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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. Full Disclosure with James O'Brien
4. The Rest Is Politics
5. Electoral Dysfunction

How many episodes of The Crime Agents are there?

The Crime Agents launched a year ago and published 103 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. Tommy Robinson
2. Matt Shea
3. Becki Houlston
4. Shelia Fogarty
5. Cheska Hill-Wood
6. Charlotte Littlewood
7. Clive Driscoll
8. Scott Hamer

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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