According to Police Chief Kevin Gessler, numbers taken through Jan. 1 through Sept. 24th in 2002 showed 613 incident reports filed from Wheeling Island.

But in 2006, during those same months, the number dropped to 468 incidents reported.

Gessler also released a report earlier this year that shows a significant drop in the number of violent crimes overall in the city of Wheeling in the past ten years.

He said the main reason behind the crime drop on Wheeling Island is the neighborhood watch.

“When they see something that's out of place, or if they see a crime happening through our neighborhood watch, they report it,” said Gessler.

NEWS9 showed the numbers to people on the island to get their take on the drop.

“I think anything they can do to reduce crime is wonderful,” said Ernest Bommer, who lives on Wheeling Island.

Gessler said his officers have a strong relationship with the people to keep the streets clean.

"If the community is backing you -- when they're involved -- then it's easier for us to do our job," he said.

-Natalie Pasquarella, NEWS9