Saturday, April 15, 2006

Buzz Off!

A controversial high tech “yob repellant” may be taken up by Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Unit.

The device, called the Mosquito, emits a high-pitched noise that can only be heard by people under 25. It is apparently so irritating that it forces gangs of youths to move away.

Locals from the Moss and Ryles Ward have voted anti-social behaviour as their new top policing priority, taking over from drugs.

PCSO Simon Martindale demonstrated Mosquito, along with Smartwater, an invisible burglar-detecting paint, to residents at a Community Action Meeting on the Moss Estate.

“There are certain trouble spots where the Mosquito could prove very effective,” he said, “like the Co-op on Belgrave Road. It could really help us crack down on anti-social behaviour.”

Special Constable David Gore, a medical Student, said: “I can actually hear it. Most of the time only youngsters can hear it but I can. It’s really horrible, really annoying.”

An anti-gang noise box used by a Spar shop in Newport was ordered to be switched off by Newport Community Safety Partnership last year because of fears that it breached human rights.

Inspector Garry Simpson said: "We are hoping to negotiate some additional funding and from a police point of view, I think it's a great idea."

However, prospective locations for the new weapon are being kept under wraps.

"I'm not prepared to say where we are looking at introducing Mosquitos at this stage," added Inspector Simpson.

The Co-op on Belgrave Road, perhaps?

www.macclesfield-express.co.uk

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