Mosquito device to target vandals

The noise can only be heard by young people

Anti-social youths on the Isle of Man are to be brought under control with a device that emits a high-pitched noise.

The Mosquito device lets out a sound which causes discomfort to young ears - but its frequency is above the hearing range of people over 24.

The device will be used in Douglas, in places such as Noble's Park which was recently targeted by vandals.

The leader of Douglas Borough Council said the device had been successfully tried and tested elsewhere.

David Christian said: "One of the things we are looking at is using it on the housing estates, where youths hang around and cause problems.

"The one concern there is that if it can be heard within a household it could disturb young children or babies.

"We have been assured that in no way does it affect anybody's human rights and there is no danger to anybody's health.

"We felt for a cost of £500 that it was worth getting one and trying it," he added.