[bradfa]

The local populace has a $170 million/year problem of stolen cars. Government spends $86 million (one time cost? estimated cost over X years? it's unclear) to help solve this problem. Doesn't seem like that bad of an economic tradeoff on the face of it, really.

I can understand that the $86 million seems like a lot until you realize the kinds of capabilities that an automotive camera system like has to comply with and all of the integration needed with other software/systems/services and the fact that this cost is likely a total cost over many years as it sounds much more sensational. Just the initial report from Deloitte cost the government $115,000.

In their first trial in 2014-2015, which lasted 15 months, with only 6 cars outfitted, ended up identifying and impounding 240 stolen cars and increased revenue from additional tickets by hundreds of thousands of dollars per month. That's pretty impressive! Now they're rolling out to not just 6 cars but to 220 total, which in theory should improve policing efforts.

References: http://www.caradvice.com.au/350313/victoria-police-to-consid... http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/victoria-polices-...