At its first Chief's Night Out, the city offered something more substantial than the usual reception fare of cake and cookies.

Statistics released for the first nine months of 2009 showed a 36 percent drop in overall crime from the same time period last year. While the drop in crime gave Opa-locka cause to celebrate, an increase in some individual categories marred the good news. Burglaries rose by 10 percent while aggravated battery spiked by 32 percent.

The numbers were announced as part of Opa-locka's Celebrating Safer Communities to commemorate National Crime Prevention Month.

Held in front of the police station under a full moon, the hour-long program on Oct. 2 included songs, poetry and a memorial service for those who lost their lives to violence.

One of those was Opa-lock man Ervin Clark, who was stabbed and died on Dec. 20.

``Absolutely a commendable presentation,'' his sister Christie Clark said.

``I really believe the police are sending a definite message to decrease the violence. The city is working toward making Opa-locka a safer place for people to live.''

The city's highest elected official acknowledged the mix of good and bad news and had a message for the victims' families.

``We'd love to see the day when there are no statistics and no crime in the city,'' Mayor Joseph L. Kelley said.

``We do share your loss and share your pain,'' he said.

``We are reminded by the loss of your family members that we have a whole lot more work to do.''

Acting Chief James Smith credited the reduction in crime to ``increased police presence and community involvement.''

Kelley agreed with Smith.

``The community is our eyes and ears,'' he said.

``When we have help from concerned residents, crime goes down. Citizens are taking ownership of their town. We now have five active crime watch programs in Opa-locka.'' One of those is the Zone 2 Westside Neighborhood Watch.

``Crime Watch tries to teach neighbors that it's safe to call the police,'' Zone 2 neighbor Jannie Russell said in a phone interview.

``Today it's a neighbor's house; tomorrow it could be your home.''

The increase in some crimes does not deter the community activist.

``That to me says crime watch is working,'' Russell said.

``Criminals don't think they can come to Opa-locka and just get away with just anything anymore.''

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