The Crime Agents

More than one child is murdered every week in the UK - but what if the solution to gang violence isn't tougher prison sentences or more stop & search? This week, Andy & Neil explain why the kids caught up in this violence seem to be getting younger, and Andy speaks to a gang member in the West Midlands - Britain's knife crime capital - to find out what life is really like for these youngsters.

But across the country, more areas are using specialist taskforces and alternative approaches to tackle the problem, and are seeing some spectacular results. Andy & Neil are joined by Lib Peck, the Director of London's Violence Reduction Unit, and Sammy Odoi, a youth worker who works with kids at risk of falling into a life of crime, to hear firsthand how these units work, and why the tactic seems to be working in London.

Is this a template for success which can be copied around the UK, and help to end the tragedy of young people killing each other for no good reason?

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In this week's Q&A episode, Andy & Neil explain how the police will be attempting to get their hands on the original versions of the emails in the Epstein Files as they continue their investigations into the likes of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson.

They also react to Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe claiming the UK had been 'colonised by immigrants', and discuss whether his comments crossed a legal line and could be considered hate speech.

Plus, Andy reveals counter-terrorism officers' surprising choice of footwear, and Neil gives his view on when police should close missing persons investigations.

NB. This episode was recorded before Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested.

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Join Andy & Neil for this special episode as they react to the news that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office after the release of the Epstein Files. They discuss why Thames Valley Police will have made the historic decision to arrest the former Prince, and explain what happens next.

They also answer some of the key questions, such as: will Andrew have had a mugshot taken and will he have been kept in a police cell? Will he benefit from any special treatment? And what's the maximum sentence he could face if he's found guilty of this crime?

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In towns and cities across the UK, the wealthy are being watched. Organised criminal gangs are targeting millionaires, high-profile sports stars and some of Britain’s most exclusive jewellery stores. Not randomly. Not recklessly. But with precision.

They research their targets. Track their movements. Study alarm systems. Map escape routes. Then they strike. Safes are ripped out in minutes. Priceless jewellery displays cleared before police even arrive. Millions in watches, diamonds and cash disappearing into criminal networks that stretch far beyond Britain’s borders.

So who are these criminal gangs? How do they choose their targets? And where does the money go?

The Crime Agents listeners, we've got a new podcast we think you'll love.

Step inside sport’s greatest soap opera, Formula One, with a brand-new podcast Up To Speed. Hosted by Drive to Survive star Will Buxton, racing driver-turned-broadcaster Naomi Schiff, 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, and F1 content creator Jolie Sharpe.

Expect razor-sharp reaction, behind-the-scenes insight, blockbuster interviews and answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask! With their deep knowledge, expert analysis and infectious love for racing, Will, Naomi, DC & Jolie dive into the stories that matter - on and off the track.

It’s fast-paced, unfiltered and full of the gossip that keeps the paddock buzzing.

They’ll react to the weekend's race drama every Monday. On Thursday they’ll deep dive into the biggest stories of the week.

Watch and listen to episode 1 now on Global Player, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

In this special bonus episode, Andy is joined by Sky News cameraman Richie Mockler, who tells the extraordinary story of how he and his team cheated death after being ambushed by Russians at the start of the Ukraine War in February 2022.

Richie describes fearing for his life after being hit by two bullets - and how he and the team all managed a miraculous escape thanks to local mechanics, Ukrainian police, and a big slice of luck.

Andy also asks Richie about the impact this incident had on him and his family, and how the experience compared to his many other dangerous encounters during decades of working in warzones and serving in the Royal Marines.

Andy & Neil will be back with a Q&A bonus episode next week. Have a question? Send it by email to [email protected] or follow us on social media: @thecrimeagents

In this episode, Andy is joined by Lewis Goodall from The News Agents to look at the ongoing police investigation into Peter Mandelson, the former Labour peer brought down by his extensive association with Jeffrey Epstein. Neil dials in from his holiday to explain exactly what it would take for Mandelson to be convicted of Misconduct in Public Office, while Andy explains how British police will be working with their US counterparts to secure the evidence they need from the Epstein Files.

Andy and Lewis also look back at previous occasions, such as Partygate, when politics and policing have collided, and discuss whether it's true that powerful people are often treated differently by the justice system. They also examine the latest allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and ask: will there ever be a formal police investigation into the former Prince?

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In this week's Q&A episode, Andy & Neil address the row which has recently engulfed West Midlands Police. Was the force right to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa? And did Chief Constable Craig Guildford's mishandling of the crisis mean that it was right for him to go as a result? Andy & Neil dissect the mistakes that were made and whether better leadership could have saved his job.

They also respond to a question about whether Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's personal protection officer might have useful information relating to the latest allegations against the former Prince, and react to one listener's suggestion that the new National Police Service will be "building Nigel Farage's deportation force for him".

Later, Andy & Neil explain whether counter-terrorism police are keeping tabs on the thousands of people arriving in the UK on small boats.

Have a question for a future episode? Send it by email to [email protected] or follow us on social media: @thecrimeagents

Did Lucy Letby really murder seven babies, and attempt to murder seven more? This case has received global attention and has caused more public debate than any other in recent memory. In this episode, Andy & Neil debate whether, for the sake of public confidence in the British justice system, it's time for the former neo-natal nurse to be allowed a retrial.

Many high profile figures, from politicians, to medical experts and influencers, have campaigned in support of Letby in the past couple of years. Among the most prominent people to call for a retrial is Sir Jeremy Hunt, who was Health Secretary at the time of Letby's alleged crimes. Sir Jeremy speaks to The Crime Agents about why he has doubts over the former nurse's conviction - and what he would like to see happen next.

Lucy Letby: the UK's most sadistic serial killer? Or the victim of the worst miscarriage of justice this country has ever seen? Tune in to hear both sides of the case that divides the nation.

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In this week's Q&A episode, Andy and Neil discuss whether AI is making life more dangerous for undercover police officers. Does AI put them at greater risk of their cover being blown? What extra precautions do they now need to take? Neil looks at what these technological advances mean for cops on the front line.

They also debate whether it's realistic to expect police officers to know every detail of the law, and Neil explains why British Counter-Terrorism Police have signs up at airports asking travellers if they have any information about December's terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

Later, Andy and Neil reveal whether the 'cake fines' seen in the likes of Hot Fuzz & Blue Lights are dished out as police punishments in real life - and whether they should be a thing of the past. Plus, they're asked about whether they are qualified to commit 'the perfect crime' by a listener Andy knows well...

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @thecrimeagents