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Cabinet will soon consider whether vehicles should be marked with identifying microdots in a bid to cut a growing rate of car thefts.
In January last year the Government released a vehicle crime reduction strategy which floated the ideas of fitting immobilisers in all new cars and a system of vehicle markings, which can only been seen through specialised equipment.
The Transport Ministry is responsible for investigating some of the measures.
A spokesman for Transport Minister Annette King today said an independent cost-benefit analysis of the vehicle marking system was being sought and the matter was expected to be considered by Cabinet in March.
The system involves cars being sprayed with microdots.
But National Party Justice spokesman Simon Power today called on the Government to move faster.
He said 38,623 cars were stolen in the year to June 30, 5611 more than the year before.
"We should be looking at anything that cuts car thefts and frees up police to concentrate on more serious crime."
Mr Power said the marking system was said to only cost about $50 a car. That money would be quickly recouped in lower insurance fees due to less thefts, he said.
Ms King's spokesman said the cost-benefit analysis was necessary as the marking system would put a potentially large new cost on the industry and consumers.
- NZPA
