I love the nub in this story - a whining electronic mosquito that only the younguns can hear. What further developments can we aim for here? What about an electronic mosquito that emits a thunderclap of god like qualities for dispersing groups of fire cracker exploders over the New Year? Of course, it has to be such that only they can hear it.
[quote]Electronic Mosquito targets antisocial teenagers
CONTROVERSIAL electronic “teenager dispersal” device has been introduced to Australia, marketed as the latest weapon against antisocial behaviour.
The Mosquito emits a high-pitched whine at a frequency audible only to the ears of young people and becomes so unbearable that they are driven away from the area.
A shopping centre in Queensland, a home owner in Canberra and an art gallery in Victoria have all bought the devices.
The NSW Police Force is considering buying one to be used in Coffs Harbour, and several local councils are interested.
In Britain, more than 3000 of the $1200 devices have been installed since they were developed there three years ago.
But children’s groups say it is an infringement of human rights.
Sydney-based Cooper Electrical owns the Australian rights to the Mosquito, which will be showcased this week at a public safety officials conference on the Gold Coast.
Doug Sanderson, general manager of the Station Square Shopping Centre in Maryborough, Queensland, had a Mosquito fitted at an entrance to the mall late last year.
“We had a huge problem with teenagers . . . just hanging outside the centre all day, swearing, spitting and being intimidating,” he said. “As soon as [the device] was turned on, the teenagers left.”
Australian Childhood Foundation chief Joe Tucci is concerned the Mosquito may harm innocent children: “Surely, in 2008, we can find ways of being able to communicate with young people that don’t cause them pain?” [/quote]
But as suggested by that last comment, didn’t anyone think to go up and tell these kiddies to “fuck off, you’re scaring the old fogies”?
HG
but good…