Local teen wins campaign to ban controversial device

Published on 22/02/2011 11:50

A CAMPAIGN to ban the controversial Mosquito device in Sheffield has been successful.

The Mosquito device - which emits a high-pitched sound that can only be heard by children and young people - is designed to discourage gangs of youths from hanging around in public places.

Sheffield council already use the device on council and police property around the region.

17-year-old Harrison Carter from Sheffield began contacting local councillors, MPs and the Home Office last August telling them why he thought the device should be banned.

“I started the campaign because I had a bad experience with the device,” said the Sheffield lad, who is also a member of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).

“It became a national priority for the UKYP,” he added.

As a direct result of Harrison’s campaign, the council compiled a report into its use of the device.

“The council found it was being used on seven of its buildings,” says Harrison.

“They seemed to agree that it should be banned on its property so we went ahead with calling for a ban.”

After months of lobbying by Harrison and other young people, councillors in Sheffield finally voted in favour of the ban.

“We see this as a success for the city,” Harrison said.

“You shouldn’t discriminate against people based on their age and whether they get irritated by a high-pitched sound.”

The campaign continues as the ban does not yet apply to private property, which would require new legislation.

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Local teen wins campaign to ban controversial device

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