New Crime Fighting Tool to Fight Vandalism - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

It's the newest and possibly the most unique tool the city is using against vandalism and loitering. Noise. Chalfont Playground in Northeast Philadelphia is the first park in the city to use a new secret weapon called The Mosquito.

"It's like a high pitched noise. Like a beep beep beep" said a local teenager.

The series of speakers around the playground emit an irritating high frequency beeping noise that only teenagers or young adults can hear. The anti-loitering system was put in place earlier this year when renovations were done on the playground.

"After a few minutes it gets to you and it's like really irritating" said a 15 year old boy visiting the park.

Reporter Chris O'Connell tested the system with kids and adults at the park. None of the grownups heard the noise. But all of the kids ages 8-17 years old heard the noise they describe as a constant high pitched beeping. The boxes are turned on from 10pm until 6am.

"It's working. It's working great" said Bobby Hill, Assistant Recreation Leader.

The City's Parks and Recreation Department purchased the device along with a surveillance camera system.  Since then there has been no problems with graffiti.

"I think all the playgrounds should have it. Just to keep the kids from loitering and vandalizing our new playground equipment" said Hill.

Right now Chalfont Playground is the only park to have The Mosquito system but if successful they may be coming to a playground near you.