SGF Defends Use of Mosquito Device
1 July 2008
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has defended use of the mosquito device by retailers to disperse gangs of youths following comments made by Bill Kidd MSP. The MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament encouraging local authorities to following Edinburgh City Council’s example and outlaw the device. The device emits a high pitched noise which only people under the age of 25 can hear and is used by some retailers to disperse gangs of youths.
Commenting, John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF, said:
“Politicians are quick to point the finger of blame at retailers for anti social problems created by groups of young people, yet are unwilling to make these same young people take responsibility for their own actions.
“Many of our members who choose to use a mosquito device do so as a last resort in order to disperse crowds of youngster who gather outside their shops often intimidating both customers and staff.
“The manufactures have given detailed assurances that this device is totally harmless. Members who use this device do so sparingly and to reduce the threat of anti social behaviour.”
Scottish Grocers Federation