Shopkeepers trial sonic teen deterrent

15 Şubat 2006news.telegraph

Shopkeepers in the Midlands have been given a high-tech device designed to disperse groups of youths by emitting a high-pitched noise that only they can hear.

The Sonic Teenager Deterrent - nicknamed the mosquito - is being piloted by Staffordshire Police in an attempt to stop gangs gathering outside shops.

Police have given shopkeepers the device, which is wall-mounted and sends out a high-pitched noise that can only be heard by teenagers and those in their early 20s.

Insp Amanda Davies, from Staffordshire Police, said the mosquito was already showing promising results.

"This device, which cost £622, doesn't cause any pain to the hearer," she said.

"The noise can normally only be heard by those between 12 and 22 and it makes the listener feel uncomfortable.

"It is controlled by the shopkeepers - if they can see through their window that there is a problem, they turn the device on for a few minutes until the group has dispersed."

"Shop owners have reported fabulous results and we've been approached by some who are considering buying their own equipment."

on error resume next ShockMode = ( IsObject(CreateObject("ShockwaveFlash.ShockwaveFlash.5"))) if ( ShockMode