Mosquitos could be used in cemetery

Community leaders and police have declared they would consider unleashing a yob-busting sonic weapon on the city's young in a bid to rid Preston cemetery of its no-go reputation.

Mosquito devices, which emit high-pitched 80 decibel sounds that can usually only be heard by children, teenagers and people in their early 20s, have been used in several Preston trouble-spots.

But the devices, which transmit sound over a distance of around 20 metres, have been mired in controversy. The Evening Post last week revealed Community Gateway Association tenants have banned them from housing estates across Preston.

Now inventors Compound Security, based in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, are working on a more powerful 50m range "Super Mosquito" model designed for larger areas.

As the Evening Post reported earlier this month railings are to be erected around the cemetery, in Miller Road, Ribbleton, to boost security.

But some members of Preston Council's environment and sustainability review board say they are also willing to consider using one of the souped-up noise boxes to further deter
troublemakers.

And the devices may yet be used in other "open space hotspots" such as parks. Coun Pauline Brown said: "I am one of these people in favour of Mosquitos, when they are used correctly.

"If you have one with a range of so many feet, and you could centralise it so it didn't reach the houses around the cemetery, then brilliant. I would like to see it looked into."

Coun Terry Thompson added: "It might be useful at the cemetery or in other big open spaces where youths do damage, such as bowling greens. I would want to look at it."

Insp June Chessell of Fulwood police believes in a range of responses to problems.

But she said: "It would probably form one of our responses in that area. I do believe Mosquitos are very, very useful.

Author -
Publication Lancashire Evening Post
Date 21 March 2007
Link www.lep.co.uk