IT sounds like the answer to the prayers of anyone whose life has been made a misery by gangs of youths.
An ultrasonic device which drives away yobs by emitting a high-frequency noise which can only be heard by those under the age of 25.
Demand for the Mosquito is so great that more than three thousand have already been ordered by shops, police forces and local authorities, including Birmingham City Council.
But just as frazzled citizens across the West Midlands thought they could breathe a sigh of relief their peace of mind was shattered by another high-pitched whining sound.
This time from the Home Office. Plans to introduce the Mosquito are on hold because a report suggests the device could cause short-term hearing damage, although there's little chance of long-term health effects.
The company behind the Mosquito insists there's no risk at all.
But West Bromwich West Labour MP Tom Watson has called for an inquiry. West Midlands Police has also expressed concern.
It's right that we should make sure any device doesn't damage health. But what about the health of those left living in fear by gangs of youths?
Concrete action to tackle this problem is needed now. Potential solutions must not get bogged down in bureaucracy.
Otherwise the Mosquito, like so many other plans to tackle anti-social behaviour, is in danger of proving it has no teeth.
Comments (1)
My job as an Anti Social Behaviour Reduction Officer sees me looking on a daily basis at anything that can “do exactly as it says on the tin”
“Mosquito” has been badged as a revolutionary new device that has been specifically designed to disperse groups of teenagers from loitering in areas that they are not wanted.
With an effective range of between fifteen and twenty meters, the field trials have shown that teenagers are acutely aware of the Mosquito and usually move away from the area within just a couple of minutes. I looked into this great idea for an instant cure for a “youth anti social issue”
It seems that there is a medical phenomenon known as presbycusis or age related hearing loss which, is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most individuals as they grow older. Hearing loss is a common disorder associated with ageing. About 30-35 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 75 years have a hearing loss. It is estimated that 40-50 percent of people 75 and older have a hearing loss.
According to The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, this begins after the age of 20 but is usually significant only in persons over 65. It first affects the highest frequencies (18 to 20 kHz) notably in those who have turned 20 years of age.
It is possible to generate this high frequency sound that is audible only to teenagers.
The Mosquito is essentially a sounder unit that emits a very high (ultra-sonic). The longer someone is exposed to the sound, the more annoying it becomes. Teenagers are acutely aware of the Mosquito and usually move away from the area within just a couple of minutes.
Sainsburys are amongst Several big retail companies actively using the device and somerfield too are contemplating following. Indeed this week at the ACPO conference it is believed that ACPO themselves will endorse this as a great step in combating Anti social behaviour.
But the Anti social youth make up 1.3 % of the youth population so is this unit blanketing and tarring all youth with the same brush. What about the young mum on her way into the shops to get a pint of milk, The law abiding trainee mechanic and the two college students aren’t all these affected too. I think it is established that this measure is effective but does it breach Human rights. Does this justify the use of such a tool and will it not just move the problem small percentage of youth into the dark alley where they can cause more alarm to the public. Should these companies not be looking at community unification and working with police and local communities in trying to find alternative places and funding for youth projects. Its well known that these companies thrive well in the communities where their shops are situated.
I wont be advising anyone to purchase one of these and will be watching closely to see if a young person will be challenging the human rights issue.
Ian Whiteway
http://www.anti-social-behaviour.co.uk
Posted by ian whiteway | July 19, 2007 4:15 PM
Posted on July 19, 2007 16:15