CAMDEN, N.J. -- Cameras will be coming soon to Camden in an attempt to catch criminals in the act.

The city's urban enterprise zone is organizing a $2.5 million camera surveillance program to reduce crime.

The cameras would be installed along sections of Broadway, Hadden Avenue, Federal Street, Mount Ephraim Avenue, Westfield Avenue and in Yorkship Square.

"See it on the news every day. I have friends who live over here who got stabbed just walking down the street, so it's pretty bad," Shawn Heim, of Lindenwold, said.

The city's urban enterprise zone plans to install dozens of security cameras across the city's six commercial districts.

The owner of Penn Pizza Palace at Federal Street and Broadway has been in the area more than 20 years. He said he used to stay open until 8 p.m. but closes his doors now at 5 p.m. because of the criminal element.

"I think it's a problem out there and the cameras should help clean the city up," John Gamino, of Penn Pizza Palace, said.

"As long as it doesn't violate people's personal rights if it's in a very public area it should be all right," Carol Hatz, of Collingswood, said.

Many vendors along Broadway, where the cameras would be placed, were all for the extra eyes.

Civilians in the police department will be responsible for monitoring the pan, tilt, and zoom rotating cameras.

"Very good idea, yes because they are trying to help us because some people try to beat us, fight us," Hassan Sesay, a vendor, said.

"We sell water ice and T-shirts and I think it's a good idea because it will cut down on crime, be like extra vigilance so the people who are doing wrong will know somebody's always watching," Ray Brinson, a vendor, said.

But Barbara Agnew whose lived in Camden for 36 years said she believes the city needs to go one step further.

"I think they should put it on the small streets where the drugs are at you know because of babies like these," Agnew said.

There are others, however, who think the cameras are a waste of money and won't deter criminals at all.

"They can figure out ways around that, they'll clip the wires, they'll do anything they need to do, shoot the cameras and won't have to worry about it," Heim said.

In Newark, N.J., recently unveiled a new surveillance operation center with over one hundred cameras,

And authorities there are already crediting the system with helping to reduce crime.

The Camden cameras are not expected to be installed for at least another five to six months.