Campaign to ban dispersal device

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The gadget, known as the Mosquito, exploits young people's ability to hear very high frequencies, a power which declines once they reach their 20s.

Campaigners say an estimated 3,500 of the devices are in use in England to disperse children and young people in areas such as parks, shopping centres and around shops.

Launching the "Buzz Off" campaign, Professor Aynsley-Green said the devices were indiscriminate and created a divide between young and old. "I have spoken to many children and young people from all over England who have been deeply affected by ultra-sonic teenage deterrents," he said.

"These devices are indiscriminate and target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are behaving or misbehaving."

Shami Chakrabarti, director of the human rights group Liberty, said: "Imagine the outcry if a device was introduced that caused blanket discomfort to people of one race or gender, rather than to our kids. The Mosquito has no place in a country that values its children and seeks to instil them with dignity and respect."

The Mosquito was invented by Howard Stapleton, from Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales, and is manufactured by Compound Security Systems. He said a test case in the courts might be the only way of establishing the Mosquito's legality.

"We tell shopkeepers to use it when they have a problem and I would be more than happy to introduce a contract which stipulates to shopkeepers how it can be used," he told the Western Mail.

Meanwhile, shopkeepers defended the use of the device. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), which represents 33,000 local shops, said the device can be useful in fighting back against anti-social youths.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: "Unfortunately, in many locations around the country, retailers are victims of anti-social gangs of youths that congregate around their premises. These youths deter customers, intimidate staff and can commit vandalism and violence. Where a retailer is faced with this problem, we fully support the use of a Mosquito device sparingly and as a measure of last resort."