That attitude stinks. If you only seek value for money you have lost. Why not stop chasing muggers, they only nick a few quid. If someone beats the crap out of an innocent, ahhhhh stuff it, too expensive to investigate.
The fact is that helicopters are good at catching cars, wether a scrote or an armed robber is driving. They make criminals think twice, (doesnt always stop them). If you can afford it, get the right tools for the job, whatever the cost. If you cant afford it, stop pretending things are better and just get rid totally. Put up or shut up.