Teen repellent arrives in NZ

A device with a high frequency mosquito-like sound used to dispel crowds of trouble seeking teens has arrived in New Zealand and is likely to be available within days.

Called The Mosquito, it has caused a stir overseas after it was developed in the United Kingdom last year, a national Sunday newspaper reported today.

The irritating high frequency sound it produces is audible only to teenagers because of age-related hearing loss which starts at 20.

Manufacturers Cooper Fulleon market it to shop owners wanting to disperse crowds of trouble-making teenagers from their premises.

About four samples of the device - with a recommended retail price of $1333.45, and $187.08 for the protective security cage -have been sent to Kiwi distributors by Australian manufacturers Cooper Electrical.

Auckland Council for Civil Liberties Barry Wilson told the newspaper anything that indiscriminately prevents a group of people from coming or going in a public place was "undesirable".

"If (the young people) are gathering in such a way to be threatening there are other areas of the law to deal with that."

- NZPA