Washington ( CNN ) -- A new anti-crime technology has reached downtown Washington -- but so far , it 's getting a mixed reception . A device called the Mosquito , which makes a high-pitched noise aimed at driving away young loiterers , has been installed near a Metro entrance just down the block from the Smithsonian 's National Portrait Gallery . `` I thought it was really annoying , '' said a passerby named Conrad , during a break in the noise . `` It gave me a headache . '' Some pedestrians looked around bewildered until they found the source of the noise , which sounds like an electronic beeping ; but most people who walked by showed no reaction at all . The Mosquito 's sound has to compete with the everyday urban cacophony of traffic , the Metro , and a couple of video billboards pitching ads . The building 's management company , Transwestern , says the new device was installed in the past few weeks in response to loiterers . The area is a popular strip at night , but a month ago , police say , a fight that began at the Gallery Place Metro station around 11 p.m. grew to a brawl involving 50 or 60 teenagers and young adults . Five people were hospitalized with injuries . A local youth advocate is critical of the device . `` This is n't the best solution , '' said Judith Sandalow , whose Children 's Law Center is just down the block . `` We need to have better programs for youth , we need to engage them in activities . '' Transwestern issued a statement saying its goal is to ensure `` a pleasant and fulfilling experience to each visitor . '' But Conrad , who declined to give his last name as he passed by , said the cure might be worse than the disease . `` I probably would n't shop at any of these shops if I heard it again . It does n't just target the people who are causing the problems . '' Another passerby , who said he was 15 , told CNN , `` I think we should be able to hang out where you want , as long as it 's not rambunctious or disruptive . '' Mike Gibson , whose company is the distributor for the Mosquito , said the device is particularly effective on youths ages 13 to 25 , because that is the age at which humans can hear the highest pitches . `` When a youth hears the sound , they find it extremely annoying and will leave the area in a few minutes , '' he said . `` The sound is benign , will not harm anyone , and is very effective in moving loiterers from an area . '' But Transwestern said it has set its Mosquito at a pitch that can be heard by all ages , not one that targets teenagers in particular . For anyone curious about whether their ears can hear the noise , there are samples of the sound at various pitches on the company 's website , http : //www.movingsoundtech.com .
A noisemaker installed near a Metro entrance aims to keep people moving . It was put in place after a late-night brawl , the building management company says . While the device is aimed at youths , this one is set for all ages , the company says . One passer-by said it might deter him from shopping at nearby stores .