NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The City of Niagara Falls announced Monday the addition of seven new security cameras that will be placed around the city in places identified as "crime hot spots."

"Where crime is most likely to occur and that's where we picked the locations for new cameras," said Bryan DalPorto, Niagara Falls Police superintendent.

DalPorto says the city has seen an uptick in property crime, and the seven cameras will be installed on Pine and Highland Avenues and 19th Street that are home to several storefronts.

"We want to take care of the customers of those businesses, not just so everyone is safe, but so everyone feels safe when shopping here on Pine Avenue," said Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster.

While officers on the street might be more effective, DalPorto says not to downplay the power of surveillance.

"We've had cases here in Niagara Falls where we've gotten homicide convictions solely off the video evidence off cameras, which certainly creates a deterrent," said DalPorto. 

Three cameras were paid for by the city and the other four donated between the Niagara County Legislature and District Attorney's Office.

Video streams will go directly to the Niagara Intelligence and Crime Analysis Center at Niagara Falls Police Headquarters.

"Where we track hot spots of criminal activity and develop top criminal offender lists through data analysis to focus our efforts on those who wreak havoc," said Caroline Wojtaszek, Niagara County district attorney.

The exact locations of the cameras will not be disclosed, and while they are stationary, the department does have the capability of moving them to keep potential criminals guessing.

All seven are set to be installed by summer.