Teens made to buzz off

LOITERING yobs were given a shocking warning at last week’s Community Action Meeting on the Moss Estate when they were told to Buzz Off!

PCSO Simon Martindale informed about 40 residents that officers were looking at introducing the controversial high-tech "teen repellent" the Mosquito.

The device emits a high-pitched noise that can only be heard by young people and is so irritating, gangs of youths are forced to move away.

Simon, who also demonstrated SmartWater, an invisible burglar-detecting paint to amazed residents, said: "There are certain trouble-spots where the Mosquito could prove very effective, like the Co-op on Belgrave Road."

And after locals from the Moss and Ryles Ward voted anti-social behaviour as their new top policing priority, taking over from drugs, Simon added: "It could really help us crack down on anti-social behaviour."

At this point Special Officer David Gore, a medical student, chipped in: "I can actually hear it. Most of the time only people under 25 can hear it but I can.

"It is horrible, really annoying."

The £500 Mosquito made national headlines when it was introduced to this country.

But last March an anti-gang noise box in Newport was switched off in case it breached human rights.

Newport Community Safety Partnership told a Spar shop to turn their Mosquito off for good.

Inspector Gary Simpson, Macclesfield’s Head of Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: "We have put forward the Mosquito, along with other new ideas like SmartWater to the Crime Reduction Partnership in Macclesfield.

"We are hoping to negotiate some additional funding and from a police point of view, I think it is a great idea.

"I am not prepared to say where we are looking at introducing Mosquitos at this stage."

The Crime Reduction Partnership was unavailable for comment at time of going to press.

Author James Crisp macclesfieldexpress@gmwn.co.uk
Publication Macclesfield Express
Date 12 April 2006
Link www.macclesfield-express.co.uk