Police have tried to hose down fears, but the theft of more than $18,000 worth of lobsters in the state's South has some people spooked.

David Wilson, of Kyeema Seafoods at Kings Meadows, said the 207 crayfish stolen from Triabunna Lobster this month had all the hallmarks of a sophisticated group.

"They obviously knew what they were doing to get them out that quick," he said.

"You get a bit worried, they are very valuable items. It's like having a vault of gold."

Mr Wilson said only someone familiar with crays could get that many out of the tanks and be out the door within 10 minutes.

The week before the Triabunna heist it is understood that an East Coast fisherman had 40 crays stolen from his unattended boat at night.

Some fishermen are now sleeping on their boats if they haven't been unable to unload their lobsters during the day out of fear of having them stolen.

Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council chief executive Neil Stump said the thefts were a wake-up call.

"There seems to be a bit of spike in which processors are being targeted," he said.

"I think it will be making processors have another look at their security."

Mr Stump said the stolen crays were most likely destined for the general public, not retailers.

The thefts come at a time when rock lobster fishermen were just beginning to enjoy strong prices.

After some lean years spent rebuilding lobster stock, fishermen are now seeing up to $80 a kilogram beach price.

George Town Seafood's Chris Damouras said he believed that you would have to be unlucky to get robbed.

"Having expensive fish in your (shop) window is a bit of a concern," Mr Damouras said.

Bellerive CIB Detective Constable Michael Harley said investigators were following a "specific line of inquiry" on the Triabunna theft and there was no evidence to suggest a statewide cray crime ring was in operation.

pbillings@examiner.com.au