CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Neighbors in Plaza-Midwood turned a holiday celebration into a crime-fighting tool.

Neighborhood leaders say the strategy is to get people to know each other, then protect one another.

Many of their community gatherings are held on the lawn of Kilgo United Methodist Church. Pastor Mike Harris said since the church is located in the heart of the community, it's their responsibility to be a good neighbor as well.

Neighbor Jennie Jaus has seen the neighborhood watch concept work first hand. Several months ago, Jaus said someone broke into her next-door neighbor's house and stole a television. Jaus said another neighbor spotted the burglar and called police who were able to make an immediate arrest.

Eyewitness News tracked crime numbers in Plaza-Midwood. Compared to this same time last year, armed robberies have remained the same but there has been a nearly 60 percent drop in both home break-ins and car break-ins.