WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-Charlotte celebrates National Night Out

Charlotte celebrates National Night Out

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - New numbers out  show crime in Charlotte is on the decline.

Crime is down 21% across the city.  Robberies down nearly 20%, Burglaries down nearly 19%and a big decline in vehicle thefts -- more than 35%.

The numbers  are good news for people who are looking to fight crime in their neighborhoods. That was the focus of a national event -- that had a big movement here in Charlotte.

National Night Out -- a night for the community to gather together -- meet one another and the officers who serve their neighborhoods.

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory was on hand the last National Night Out under his watch. 14 years ago, when he took over things were different near Plaza Midwood.

"Most people don't realize that we were averaging 125 murders a year, 14 years ago," the mayor said.

That was our city's homicide stats going back to the 1990's, but things in many places are turning around. During 2007  Robert Willis started a community watch with two people, and more than 50 filled grounds at Belvedere Avenue's Kilgo United Methodist Church.

According to Willis, "Our grid captains know that if I take something back to the cops they're going to get something back and take it to their neighbors."

In Grier Heights, crowds were big, enthusiasm strong, and the positive feeling that new day reality has replaced a past perceptions.  Barbara Simpson tells us, "The people who are in the neighborhood feel they are a part of what's taking place."

And the mayor says this makes for a bittersweet night as he counts his weeks and months in office. "Yeah this is the part that I'm gonna miss the most," said the mayor.