A NEIGHBOURHOOD store has become the first in Bexley to trial a new device aimed at stopping youths from congregating outside.
Called the Mosquito, the box, mounted on the shop's external wall, releases a high-pitched sound which can only be heard by the under-20s.
As you get older the ability to hear high pitch noises reduces.
The sound is so unpleasant, youngsters are forced to move out of its range, while older people cannot hear it at all.
Safer Neighbourhoods officer PC Michael Wearing persuaded the Wales-based manufacturer to allow the Mediterranean Supermarket, Bellegrove Road, to trial the device for free.
It has now been in use for four weeks and will be assessed after three months.
PC Wearing said: "We heard extremely positive reports about the success of the Mosquito and I thought getting one installed at this shop would be a real test of its effectiveness."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article