Call To Ban Anti-Teen 'Mosquito' Device

Campaigners are calling for a ban on controveral 'silent' devices which emit high-pitched noises in order to disperse groups of teenagers.

However, the government has announced that there are no plans to ban the Mosquito device.

The device works because the under-25s can hear very high frequencies and the Mosquito causes discomfort to their ears by emitting an unpleasant noise that only they can hear.

Around 3,500 of these devices are in use across England, in order to prevent groups of children from loitering in areas such as shopping centres and parks.

Now, a campaign has been launched by Children's Commissioner Sir Albert Aynsley-Green, which aims to have the devices banned.

Sir Albert said that he had spoken to many young people who said that they had been "deeply affected" by the devices. He said: "These devices are indiscriminate and target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are behaving or misbehaving."

However, the Association of Convenience Stores has defended the use of the Mosquito devices.

Chief Executive James Lowman said: "Unfortunately, in many location around the country, retailers are victims of anti-social gangs of youths that congregate around their premises. These youths deter customers, intimidate staff and can commit vandalism and violence. Where a retailer is faced with this problem, we fully support the use of a mosquito device sparingly and as a measure of last resort.

"We recommend that retailers that choose to use such devices do so only when other measures have not worked. We also encourage retailers and local police to work together to develop the right solutions for the area.

"We would expect local agencies to look not only at the problem of how to prevent young people from congregating in inappropriate areas, but also work to provide safe alternatives.

"Removing the ability to use tools like mosquitos will make life harder for retailers that face real problems. It would also reinforce the retailer's view that whilst many in government are quick to blame the retailer for anti-social problems created by gangs of youths, they are unwilling to make those same young people accountable for their own actions."

Mr Lowman said that he had written to the commissioner to call for a balanced approach over the issue.

He said: "We accept that young people should not be demonised, however there is an anti-social minority that need to be deterred.

"This has to be done through sanctions that include penalising young people that commit anti-social offences, attempting to buy and drinking alcohol, and against shop theft. The answer to tackling anti-social behaviour is not to remove sanctions and deterrents but to ensure they are effective and used appropriately."

(KMcA)