A STATE-of-the-art machine designed to scare away groups of yobs has been installed at Teignmouth railway station. The 'mosquito' machine emits a high pitch sound only audible to young people and dogs. It is designed to combat a spate of vandalism and intimidation on the railway in recent months. Railway officials have been working with British Transport Police to combat youngsters using the railway to meet up for mass brawls. The flare-up started in Paignton about two months ago and had since calmed down. But the destruction of a £3,000 ticket machine just two days after it was installed at Teignmouth has prompted concern that more needs to be done. First Great Western spokesman Lance Cole said: 'Vandalism and assaults costs a lot of money and has a major impact on our day-to-day operations on this line. 'We are working closely with the British Transport Police who have worked hard to tackle this problem on the railways. 'We have taken steps to protect public safety and this has included the installation of electronic audible sensors scientifically proven to only affect young people. 'When people get past a certain age, then their hearing is not sensitive enough to detect it. 'And to those innocent young people going about their daily business, we say just move away but it is about their safety,' he said. l Teignmouth town council agreed at its last full meeting on Tuesday to invite British Transport Police to speak to the newly-elected council. It wants to work with the authorities to tackle railway crime.
