The fuel was stolen from the boats in 50, five-gallon containers

Thieves stole the red diesel from the tanks of boats at The Stade six nights in a row.

Fishermen are angry because the cameras which cover the area have not recorded the thefts and they believe the devices are a waste of money.

But police have said the crimes need to be reported for action to be taken.

'It is impossible'

The fuel was carried away from the boats in five-gallon containers.

The fishermen have said that after the row over EU fish quotas the loss of the diesel is just another problem for them to face.

Ted Newcomen, secretary of the Fisheries Institute, said: "CCTV after midnight is monitored from Eastbourne and the technology is inadequate to identify actual criminal activity.

"There is one officer that has to monitor about 900 cameras across East Sussex so it is impossible."

Mr Newcomen said the fishermen were supposed to report crimes to the council which then would pass the information to the police.

"If the police say they haven't heard about it there is obviously a problem with the council," he said.

Hastings Borough Council said it was faxed about the thefts but added that crimes must be reported to the police.

The police say the thefts were not reported but they are now following up the crimes.