Compared with 2009, crime in Beacon Hill is down in 2010 for the period from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31.

Particularly when compared with surrounding neighborhoods that have seen a recent uptick in car break-ins, assaults and larceny, the situation in Beacon Hill is improving.

"Things have been getting better," was a sentiment echoed by a number of local shop owners, Suffolk University security officers and other concerned citizens meeting to discuss the state of District A-1 Tuesday night.

Thanks to a decrease in larcenies in the Beacon Hill area, crime is trending down here, though crime rates for all other types of incidents remained fairly static.

Capt. Bernard O'Rourke admitted that efforts are being concentrated in the North End, as a number of loud house parties have resulted in complaints of excessive noise.

"If you see a kid walking in with a 30 pack and he looks like he's 17 -- call 911. Don't wait till two in the morning when they start blasting Lady Gaga. I used to say Bruce Springsteen, but the dean at Suffolk told me they've changed, they listen to Lady Gaga now," said Sgt. Tom Lema.

Curfews on the Common are still being pushed, and though fewer homeless people are expected to be in the area with the colder months now upon us, clubs in the Government Center, Financial District and Chinatown area cause problems every weekend.

Christine Vraibel, community service civilian for District A-1, was also in attendance.

Charles St. will be shut down for the upcoming Veterans Day parade, starting on the Common around noon and lasting till about 2:30 p.m.

Some concerns were also raised regarding construction in the Beacon Hill area shutting down some roads, resulting in frustrated drivers driving the wrong way down one-way streets. O'Rourke said that these problems will be dealt with, however, nothing can be done to clear up the construction.

"This is how its always been. Delays are going to be like 15 to 20 minutes, not an hour," he said.