Police are investigating the theft of a number of flares from a yacht in Killyleagh.
The yacht, which was on a trailer in the driveway of premises on Cuan Beach, was entered sometime between 13-20 December. [caption id="attachment_35089" align="alignleft" width="270"]
Rowallene Councillor Billy Walker has condemned the theft of flares in Killyleagh.[/caption]
Police cannot emphasise enough how dangerous it is for anyone without adequate knowledge of how to safely operate flares to fire them, particularly in the vicinity of other people or property. Flares can kill and should only ever be fired in an emergency situation at sea and according to their operating and safety instructions.
Rowallene Councillor Billy Walker has voiced his deep concern and said: “These flares must be recovered. They are potentially life-threatening and wreckless action by a small group of individuals could have untold consequences.
“I would urge anyone who knows anything about this matter to report it to the police on 101 or Crimestoppers immediately.
“We have had arson incidents in the past in Killyleagh and the potential for damage and threat to life and limb with these flares is very serious.
“This incident is just another on a long list of vandalism to the boating community and I would urge young people particularly to desist from this before a life is lost. Last year we saw lifebelts throw into the harbour, another wreckless act potentially that could cost a life.
“Setting off flares in a non-emergency also risks emergency services being diverted away from other incidents potentially putting members of the public at risk.”
The police emphasised, anyone with any knowledge as to the whereabouts of the stolen flares should contact local police on 101.]]>
