Buzz off!
A new weapon against young troublemakers may be introduced after a successful trial has reduced vandalism in a Southend park.

A revolutionary device called the Mosquito, which emits an irritating high-pitched noise heard only by people under 25, has been used to keep youngsters away from problem hotspots in Priory Park.

Vandals had been constantly wrecking plants, brickwork and benches in the park, but since the month-long Mosquito trial started, the problems have almost completely disappeared.

Southend Council bosses have been so thrilled with the results they hope to use the device across the borough as a deterrent to troublesome youths.

Anita McGinley, tenancy management co-ordinator for Southend Multi Agency Antisocial Behaviour Response Team (Smaart), said the device was switched on at night after the gates to the park were closed.

She said: "Young people have not been congregating in the area while the Mosquito has been active and there has also been a very significant reduction in damage.

"Plants were being pulled up the day after they had been planted, and the sight of the damage was making people reluctant to go there.

"Now the trouble has stopped. It has improved the area and visitors are now coming back."

The Mosquito, which costs £700, was supplied and installed as part of a free trial by security specialists Advanced Integrated Security, of Westcliff.

Ian Robertson, executive councillor for community safety, said the Mosquito had proved to be an effective tool against antisocial behaviour and he hoped it would now be more widely used across Southend.

He said: "It is a brave experiment and I very much welcome it as another opportunity to tackle antisocial behaviour so we can continue improving the environment for our residents."

Insp Jeff Appleby, of Southend police, added: "We will be following the results of the Mosquito test with interest.

"We will undertake more research to see if the unit can be utilised elsewhere in the town to tackle ongoing problems of youth nuisance."

Author Laura Smith
Publication This is Essex
Date 6 September 2006
Link www.thisisessex.co.uk