Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas says the latest crime stats show a significant drop in criminal activity in the city.

Major crimes like rape and murder are down 42 percent and 36 percent, respectively, the mayor says. Burglaries fell by 19 percent.

"It's a collaborative effort," says city Police Commissioner Shawn Harris.

Police have changed their strategies, deployed newer technologies and built up a relationship with the public, Harris says.

Crime rose in some categories across the region as a whole police say. Crimes of opportunity like grand larceny and auto thefts rose throughout the country.