The Washington Neighbourhood Policing Team has increased high-visibility patrols in the Malpas area of Washington, Tyne and Wear, following reports of youths kicking residents’ doors. On January 29, 2026, officials confirmed they are moving to an active problem‑solving phase to address groups of young people who have been harassing local neighbours.
Local police are working closely with Sunderland City Council and housing provider Gentoo Group to stop the intimidatory behaviour. The partnership plans to deploy mobile surveillance units and place more visible officers on the streets to protect vulnerable and elderly residents who have been targeted.
Recent incidents in Malpas involve youths kicking front doors, which Northumbria Police say is more than just kids playing. The policing team describes the trend as a form of harassment that is making some people feel unsafe in their own homes during the evenings.
Residents are being asked to share any doorbell camera or CCTV footage with officers to help identify the individuals involved. That information will be used to decide where patrols are most needed and could lead to tenancy enforcement for families of repeat offenders.
Community meetings and youth outreach programmes are also being organised to redirect young people into more positive activities. In early 2025, a similar SARA intervention helped tackle illegal motorbike use in the Teal Farm area, providing a local precedent for the current response.
Notable quotes from the Washington NPT update (Jan 29, 2026):
“We are aware of the distress caused by recent reports of youths kicking doors in the Malpas area. This is not ‘kids being kids’; it is intimidatory behaviour that impacts the quality of life for our residents. Through the SARA Partnership, we are now intensifying our presence in these specific streets.” — Official statement, Washington NPT update (29 Jan 2026).
“Information from the public is the lifeblood of this partnership. Every report of a door being kicked or a group loitering helps us map where our patrols need to be that night.” — SARA Partnership liaison, Sunderland City Council.
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