Acne lights deter spotty teens

"SPOT" lights which draw attention to teenagers' acne are the latest weapon against anti-social behaviour in Britain.
Layton Burroughs Residents' Association in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, is using the lights to discourage troublesome youths from hanging around in underpasses on a housing estate.

Residents found the pink light was regarded as "uncool" by some teenage boys, but also sent them fleeing in embarrassment when it highlighted their skin blemishes.

Layton Burroughs Residents' Association chairman Tony Gelsthorpe said action was needed after a string of complaints about foul-mouthed youths.

"We've had problems with underage drinking, drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and general intimidation," he told the The Daily Telegraph.

"I was a little bit dubious about the pink lights at first but it's done the trick."

Another association member, Marianne Down, said the lamps - the same kind beauticians use to check for skin abnormalities - had made a difference.

"There were large groups of young people hanging around in the underpasses drinking, which felt quite intimidating," she said.

"The groups aren't there as much and it feels safer walking through there now, particularly at night."

Other measures adopted in Britain to combat anti-social behaviour among youngsters include a so-called "mosquito" device which emits a high-pitched squeal that can be heard only by those aged under 25.

Playing music unpopular with teenagers such as Barry Manilow or classical pieces has proved successful, while some local authorities have painted areas where youths gather pink.

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