A NEW police team is patrolling the streets of Washington, with a base in the heart of the community.

The North Washington Police Community Team comprises a sergeant, five PCs, a Tenancy Enforcement Officer and administrative support with an office in the Millennium Centre.

It has received funding from the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, initially for two years.

They will tackle house burglary and youth offending, working closely with a number of other agencies including the local authority and Sunderland Housing Company.

The community team's community beat officers have responsibility for specific areas. They are PC Ian McCafferty, Donwell and Usworth; PCs George Thompson and Wendy Scott, Sulgrave; PC Simon Drenon, Concord; and PC Bryan Wilson, Blackfell and Albany. They can be contacted on 0191-417 9714 or 0191-417 0254.