# Q&A: ‘Paedophile Hunters’, citizens’ arrests & prison killers

An episode of [The Crime Agents](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1820933088), 20 Apr 2026, 24 min.

Audio: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f1b0be12-47a6-47a8-a888-015afa8d0061.mp3?aw_0_1st.showid=1366922d-44a9-4066-80a4-91e9297898df&aw_0_1st.episodeid=f1b0be12-47a6-47a8-a888-015afa8d0061

'Paedophile Hunters': vigilantes who attempt to lure and confront suspected sex offenders, before calling the police in an attempt to entrap them and have them arrested. But are these self-appointed groups a help or hindrance to the authorities? Do their stunts lead to more sex offenders being convicted? Or do they just waste police time? Andy & Neil explain how this phenomenon has grown over the last few years, and whether 'Paedophile Hunters' are a problem for police, or part of a solution. Later, Neil explains whether members of the public would be wise to attempt a citizens' arrest on a police officer if they suspect the officer is committing a crime, and Andy reveals what happens if a prisoner who's already serving time for a serious offence kills a fellow prisoner. Plus, Andy & Neil look at the role social media played in radicalising the Southport attacker, and whether this strengthens the case for banning children from using social media. Have a question for a future episode? Send it via email to thecrimeagents@global.com or follow us on social media @thecrimeagents

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