Britain has new weapon against loitering youths -- Sonic Tee

[STEED]

LONDON (AFP) - Shopkeepers in central England have been trying out a new device that emits an uncomfortable high-pitched noise designed to disperse young loiterers outside their stores without bothering adults.

Police carrying out the pilot project in Staffordshire say some of those who have tested the "Sonic Teenager Deterrent," nicknamed the mosquito, have talked of buying one of their own.

The device which costs 622 pounds (908 euros, 1,081 dollars) "doesn't cause any pain to the

hearer," according to Inspector Amanda Davies, quoted by Britain's domestic Press Association news agency.

"The noise can normally only be heard by those between 12 and 22 and it makes the listener feel uncomfortable," she added.

Once in their early 20s, people lose their capacity to hear sounds at such a high pitch.

"It is controlled by the shopkeepers. If they can see through their window that there is a problem, they turn the device on for a few minutes until the group has dispersed," Davies said.

"Shop owners have reported fabulous results and we've been approached by some who are considering buying their own equipment," she said.

What made me laugh about this these loitering youths will take them to court for damage to their ear drums, and the Nanny State we got here in the UK, they will win the case and be paid a large sum of money.

[lesrae]

That'll be the first time tenagers have been scared off anything by an STD

[JSLTIGER]

That's the craziest thing I've ever heard of!

[Etienne]

Kind of discriminatory, as well. "Let's hurt only the young adults! We don't want them shopping here!"

What's next, the anti-irish flashlight?

[TteFAboB]

Where do I buy one of these? Can it be set to annoy everybody else too?

[Abraham]

"There should be no discrimination based on race, religion, sex or age..."

This device is targeting a specific minority group!
"Shame! Discrimination! Violation of Human Rights!"