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The Crime Agents

The Crime Agents

By: Global
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Summary

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 who have spent their lives chasing the answers, this is your front-row seat to the realities of crime today. Neil Basu, the former Head of UK Counter-Terrorism Policing, brings unparalleled experience from the front lines of law enforcement. Andy Hughes, LBC’s Crime Correspondent, has spent two decades exposing the criminal underworld as an award-winning investigative journalist. Each week, The Crime Agents dives deep into the stories you think you know - from foiled terror plots and unsolved murders, to gang culture, far-right extremism, and the tactics police use to crack the toughest cases. With over 50 years of combined experience, Neil and Andy don’t just report on crime - they’ve lived it. The Crime Agents is a Global production, available every Monday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.comCopyright 2026 Global Politics & Government Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • ‘How Dare You!’ Zack Polanski vs The Police
    May 7 2026

    A series of arson attacks on synagogues and Jewish ambulances in the space of just a few weeks. Two terrorist attacks barely seven months apart: one in Manchester and then, last week, another in Golders Green, North London. In this episode, Andy & Neil look at why there have been so many antisemitic attacks and incidents in Britain in the last few months, and how police, security services and society as a whole can work together to tackle what has become a national crisis.

    Andy & Neil also both respond furiously to Green Party leader Zack Polanski's criticism of the police officers who arrested the suspected terrorist, and they explain what difference more funding will make to protecting the UK's Jewish community.

    Later, they're joined by former Prevent practitioner Charlotte Littlewood, who explains how the terror suspect would have slipped through the scheme's net when he was referred back in 2020.

    Follow us on social media: @thecrimeagents

    The Crime Agents is a Global production, available every Monday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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    50 mins
  • Q&A: The rise of antisemitism, Russell Brand & knife crime
    May 5 2026

    As the number of antisemitic attacks on British Jews continues to rise, in this Q&A episode Neil explains some of the reasons why this type of hatred has become so commonplace on our streets, and how it has changed since his days as a police officer in London. He and Andy discuss whether more policing is part of the solution to the problem, and what role education plays in tackling antisemitism. Please note, this episode was recorded before the Golders Green terror attack on 29th April.

    They also give their view on whether Russell Brand - who is set to go on trial for rape and other sexual offences and who denies all charges - should be allowed to give a series of high-profile interviews to promote his book when he is facing such serious accusations.

    Later, Andy and Neil reveal some of the reasons why deaths from knife crime were down 21% in the last year, and who's legally responsible if a driverless car causes an accident.

    Follow us on social media: @thecrimeagents

    The Crime Agents is a Global production, available every Monday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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    24 mins
  • Cold case: how the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence was solved
    Apr 30 2026

    Britain was changed forever by the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in South East London in April 1993. What followed was a story of police incompetence, institutional racism and, eventually, a cold case that was cracked and which led to murder convictions for two of the original five suspects. In this episode, Andy & Neil explain how cold cases work, and Neil reveals the personal role he played in helping to convict David Norris and Gary Dobson of Stephen Lawrence's murder.

    They also explain how developments in forensics and the abolition of the 'double jeopardy' law played a vital part in bringing two of Stephen's killers to justice, and Neil gives his view on whether any of the other murderers are ever likely to see the inside of a prison cell for their part in what happened in Eltham 33 years ago.

    Follow us on social media: @thecrimeagents

    The Crime Agents is a Global production, available every Monday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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    43 mins
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All stars
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Great background to what you don’t get in the media with technical underpinning that supports the understanding of the police force and how process is carried out. Overall very well presented

Great technical and structural information

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I am already hooked on this podcast I enjoyed the first two episodes so much I downloaded Neil's book and listened to that too. The right level of interest and suspence I highly recommend.

Really easy to listen to and super interesting

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love the insider perspective of crime in the UK. Highly recommended, must listen! Great work!

So interesting with incredible stories

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