"They're our bobbies on the beat and we need them."

Those are the words of concerned sailing clubs in Hampshire after news that the county's police marine unit is under threat of closing.

Sailors have spoken out about their concerns for crime prevention on Solent waters after Hampshire police and crime commissioner Simon Hayes revealed the government may half the £1million unit's funding.

He is calling for an urgent review of the national marine policing capacity before any funding reductions are enforced and said he may have to completely cut the unit if the review reveals it could not operate with half the funds.

A spokeswoman from Seafarers Sailing Club in Hill Head said that lots of people would be worried if the cuts went ahead because its comforting to know the police are out there.

She said: "As one of many clubs along the Solent we are concerned by these cuts. It is important to know that the police are out there providing a safe environment for us all and we would be disappointed if the unit was dissolved. They are our bobbies on the beat and we need them.

"I would hope it didn't mean we would have to be more responsible if there was a crime but I think it's worrying that there could be less police activity along our marinas."

Simon Hayes has also expressed his concern, he said: "A reduction in funding to this level would bring into serious question the future viability of the Marine Unit and would inevitably require a decision on whether we ask the Hampshire taxpayer to help subsidise the unit by making up the loss from general police budget, or cut the service.

“Hampshire’s Marine Unit has responsibility for patrolling the significant coastal areas and rivers of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It also provides the mutual aid capability to other forces situated on the south coast.

"Clearly, any decisions regarding the funding of this critical service will have implications beyond Hampshire’s borders, and as such any decision by Government needs to take into account the wider role the unit plays.”

The Marine Unit plays a key role in counter terrorism and is home to at least 15 staff, including one sergeant, nine police constables, three special constables and a few police volunteers.

The unit is also central to running Project Kraken, a crime and counter terrorist operation that works with harbourmasters, the coastguard and marina managers to monitor suspicious activity.

In the last 12 months the unit has been involved in a number of high profile security events including the Americas Cup World Series, Royal Yacht Squadron Bi-centennial celebrations, the Cowes Week Regatta and the naming of the P&O Britannia cruise ship by HRH Queen Elizabeth.

The commissioner added: “There have been attacks across the world related to shipping and coastal areas, and while these are disparate and distant they show the need for a policing service for our significant waterbourne community.

"We are also seeing an increase in immigration issues in European waters. These proposed reductions will have long term consequences for the security of our shores, and in the end will cost money rather than save it.”