Crossword Genius

Intention that criminal cases citywide plummet (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

concept

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'intention' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'criminal cases citywide plummet' is the wordplay.
'criminal' becomes 'con' (short for convict).
'cases' means to remove the middle letters.
'plummet' becomes 'pt' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'citywide' with its centre removed is 'ce'.
'con'+'ce'+'pt'='CONCEPT'

'that' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for concept that I've seen before include "Notion" , "Abstract or general idea" , "Product of the mind" , "Abstract idea; mental picture" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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