COUNCIL bosses in Fareham are going to evaluate the effectiveness of a town centre CCTV system after cameras failed to record a major jewellery raid in the town.

Robbers stole tens of thousands of pounds worth of diamond necklaces and earrings after a smash and grab raid at the Ernest Jones store in West Street.

Despite eight CCTV units being positioned near the store no footage of the thieves - who are still being hunted by police - was caught on camera.

Fareham Borough Council installed the £436,000 system six years ago, with funding from the Home Office and private funds.

The surveillance system includes ten cameras near the shops in West Street, and are part of 80 cameras that cover Fareham and Gosport around-the-clock.

Following the lack of help to police over the raid, which took place at 3.20am on November 20, the council have said they will look at the camera system and see if it is adequate for the town.

Council leader, Councillor Sean Woodward said: "We're just using this as a test of how it works," he said.

"We have a dozen cameras whizzing around West Street and it is amazing if such a major break-in could not be covered. We will be looking at the issue from all angles because we spent a great deal of investment on these cameras.

Anyone with any information about the incident can call Fareham CID on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.