Posted By Graham Bullough Earlier this week I was at a meeting where the use of a “Mosquito” device was suggested as a means of deterring gangs of youths from congregating outside one of my employer’s premises. People from such gangs had allegedly been involved in vandalism and thefts in the car park at the premises. I understand that “Mosquito” devices emit a low volume high frequency sound which is only audible to people under the age of about 25. They find it irritating and therefore tend to move away from the vicinity of the device. However, some people at the meeting said that such devices were frowned upon because they were discriminatory and infringed the rights of young people. Furthermore, though apparently there’s no proof, it was suggested that the noise might be capable of harming the hearing of young people. My own opinion is that such devices might be an appropriate measure in locations where young people are causing known, potential or perceived threats to other people and their property. Employees and visitors at the premises involved are understandably worried about whether they will find their cars intact or still in the car park at the end of each work day or visit. Naturally consideration should be given to whether or not any “Mosquito” devices could affect young people who live nearby and have no option of moving away from the noise. As regards “human rights”, I strongly think the term should be supplemented by “and responsibilities”. If some young people behave in ways which are anti-social to others (and tend to give the majority of young people a bad name), then they are abdicating their responsibilities – in which case they and older well-meaning advocates should not object to measures which help to counter the anti-social behaviour. At the same meeting I asked about classical music reportedly being broadcast over speakers at some locations such as railway stations in order to deter loitering gangs of youths. The response by police and security representatives was that this was acceptable, and in fact is used as an effective measure at several shopping precincts in the local area. The following queries arise: 1. Do others think it is bizarre that “Mosquito” noise is considered to infringe the human rights of young people, but classical music is considered otherwise? Surely both types of noise have the same effect. (As a classical music fan I hesitate to apply the word “noise” to such music, but can appreciate that non-fans may regard it as “noise”.) 2. Does anyone know of local authorities and other organisations which have no qualms about using “Mosquito” devices and in what sort of locations? If so, are the devices considered to be effective? 3. As regards potential harm from such devices, does anyone know of any evidence for this? Could it be that someone somewhere suggested that harm might possibly occur - and that this notion has become enshrined as fact through ample repetition? 4. This is probably a frivolous question: If young people can be effectively dispersed from locations by classical music, does anyone know if any composers have proved to be more effective than others? Perhaps someone could do research to establish the YPDR – “young people dispersal rating” – of different composers or even different pieces of their music!

Posted By MT Just a point on the theory that Mosquito devices can only be heard by the under 25s - my husband is 36 and has extraordinary hearing in that he can hear bats, and if we go anywhere near premises with Mosquito devices, or rat scaring devices which emit high pitched noises we have to leave immediately as he can't stand it. So, how would you deal with a legitimate visitor to your premises who can also hear the noise?

Posted By Sally Are these young people actually causing a problem or is it that they are seen as a threat? I can understand if they are eg blocking an entrance but are they just taking advantage of your lighting. I do feel youngsters can't win these days. If they stay at home they are accused of wasting their time on computers and if they go out they are accused of loitering. In my local area we even had a campaign to stop the council putting lights on the football pitch in the park because this would encourage youth to use it after dark!!. sorry for the rant but is there a way that your company and these youth can peacefully co-exsist?

Posted By Steve It doesn't really solve the problem (if it is a problem) it just moves it somewhere else. I tend to agree with Sally. Most of the time, they're not doing anything wrong anyway.

Posted By Kirsty Davies2 Thought you'll probably like this one; http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...um=1&thread=39391&page=1

Posted By Barrie (Badger) Etter Going by the last two postings ... You have to play Mozart with a mozzie hidden inbetween the music which only starts up when the motion senor is triggered ... Is it Friday yet???

Posted By Graham Bullough Friday is not far off so I'll echo the gist of what somebody once wrote or said about Wagner's music - it's hours and hours of tedium interspersed with a few good bits. No doubt this comment may ruffle the metaphorical feathers of some Wagner fans out there. One of the indisputably good bits is "The Ride of the Valkyries" which featured in the Hollywood film "Apocalypse Now" set during the Vietnam War. Conflict combined with culture, eh?!