Association of Convenience Stores defends mosquito devices

ACS Chief Executive said "Unfortunately in many locations around the country retailers are victims of anti-social gangs of youths that congregate around their premises. These youths deter customers, intimidate staff and can commit vandalism and violence. Where a retailer is faced with this problem we fully support the use of a mosquito device sparingly and as a measure of last resort.

"We recommend that retailers that choose to use such devices do so only when other measures have not worked. We also encourage retailers and local Police to work together to develop the right solutions for the area. We would expect local agencies to look not only at the problem of how to prevent young people from congregating in inappropriate areas, but also work to provide safe alternatives.

"Removing the ability to use tools like mosquitoes will make life harder for retailers that face real problems. It would also reinforce the retailer's view that whilst many in Government are quick to blame the retailer for anti-social problems created by gangs of youths, they are unwilling to make those same young people accountable for their own actions."

Mr Lowman has written to the Children's Commissioner and the Children's Minister calling for a balanced approach.

"We accept that young people should not be demonised, however there is an anti-social minority that need to be deterred. This has to be done through sanctions that include penalising young people that commit anti-social offences, attempting to buy and drinking alcohol, and against shop theft. The answer to tackling anti-social behaviour is not to remove sanctions and deterrents but to ensure they are effective and used appropriately.