CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released new crime statistics earlier this week. While they say overall crime is going down, one area remains a concern.

While overall crime and violent crime are down, Charlotte police is concerned about teenagers becoming repeat offenders and getting arrested for serious crimes.

The Queen City has programs and area non-profits hoping to help kids and teens stay out of trouble.

On Beatties Ford Road in north Charlotte sits The Male’s Place garden . It’s just one of the initiatives used to help 12 to 18-year-olds engage with the community.

The non-profit and Charlotte leaders said that to stop violent crime among kids and teens, it takes a collaborative effort.

For 32 years, The Male’s Place has been working to

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