Arsonists are targeting yachts to steal flares, it’s been revealed, as police are desperately trying to collect out-of-date flares before they fall into the hands of criminals or even terrorists.

In partnership with a bomb disposal company Hampshire Constabulary are organising drop-off centres for yachtsmen. They hope that this who do dump old flares with them will also make a donation to raise cash to send two sailing dinghies to an RYA centre.

With more than 5000 flares already handed in and donations of more than £3,000 to date the initiative is on track to achieve all its aims. A further three collection dates are planned before the end of 2014 with details below:

Friday 1st August: 1100 – 1600 at Cowes Week, Isle of Wight
Saturday 10th August: 1000 – 1500 at Lymington Yacht Haven
Sunday 19th October: 1000-1500 at Hamble Point Marina MDL

David Welch managing director,of bomb disposal business Ramora UK said: “Public Safety is one of our primary concerns and we have already recovered more than 750kg of explosives and we still have three more events left this year.”

Sergeant Damon Kennard, of Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit, said: “The number of out of date flares handed in shows that this is a worthwhile public safety initiative.”