Buzz-off yobs devices stay locally
THE use of an ear-splitting device to curb anti-social behaviour in West Norfolk has been defended amid calls for them to be scrapped.
The Mosquito gadget, which emits a high-pitched sound which only people under 25 can hear, is being used to stop gangs hanging around primary schools in Lynn and outside Downham library and Tesco store.
Around 3,500 are now in use across the country, but the Children's Commissioner for England, Sir Al Aynsley-Green, this week joined a campaign against their use.
He said: "These devices are indiscriminate and target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are behaving or misbehaving.
"The use of measures such as these are simply demonising children and young people, creating a dangerous and widening divide between the young and the old."
But West Norfolk Council, part of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership which has funded the device in the borough, has defended its use.
Cabinet member for community, Cllr David Harwood, said the Mosquitoes are effective at dispersing intimidating groups of youths – and pointed out that they are only switched on when necessary and even then only between 7pm and 11.30pm.
He said: "The devices are designed to move away youngsters under 25 who are causing anti-social behaviour in that vicinity. We don't put them up for no reason, only following complaints from the public.
"There's an argument that it infringes the civil liberties of those who are not committing anti-social behaviour, such as if they are just walking by. But the devices have an accumulative effect, the first minute or two they might hear the noise but it will get worse after four or five minutes. If they are just walking through it shouldn't affect them."
He also said the devices, which have been used in the borough on and off for around six months, are only a short-term measure in the fight against the problem.
"We are looking at other solutions in the medium term such as new CCTV cameras soon to be installed in Downham and in the longer term things such as new drop-in centres."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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