A DEVICE capable of producing an ear-splitting noise which can only be heard by under-25s is the newest tool in the fight against anti-social behaviour in Stevenage.The Mosquito emits a high pitched drone at a frequency that only young people can hear. I

A DEVICE capable of producing an ear-splitting noise which can only be heard by under-25s is the newest tool in the fight against anti-social behaviour in Stevenage.

The Mosquito emits a high pitched drone at a frequency that only young people can hear.

It can be switched on when there is evidence of groups congregating and causing distress to local residents and businesses.

The Stevenage Community Safety Partnership, which includes Hertfordshire Constabulary, Stevenage Borough Council and Stevenage Homes, has introduced the first boxes in the borough at the Oval shopping precinct where groups of young people congregate, some of whom behave in an anti-social way.

Ward constable Pc Mike Dring said: "This is the first time that the Mosquito has been used in Stevenage and we hope that it will be a useful tool in reducing anti-social behaviour in the Oval area.

"The device has been used in other parts of the county before and the young people in those areas hate the noise it sends out and so far have gone out of their way to avoid it.

"The majority of young people in Stevenage are well behaved and we do not want to stop them from having fun if they are behaving responsibly.

"In the Oval, however, some of the groups that congregate have been causing a persistent nuisance and this is just one of the many tools that we will use to improve the quality of life of local people."

The borough council's executive councillor for community safety, Bob Clark, said: "We are committed to making Stevenage a safer town by working in partnership with the police and a variety of community groups.

"We are confident that this technology will help reduce anti-social behaviour and make the Oval a safer and more enjoyable place for residents and businesses.