HILO >> Crime is down in Puna, the Big Island’s fastest-growing district.

That’s according to police statistics showing that reports of illegal activity in Puna are down 24 percent through Aug. 26, compared with the same period last year.

Capt. Samuel Jelsma, Puna’s patrol commander, told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald in Wednesday’s edition that one reason for the crime reduction is Puna’s rapid population growth.

Jelsma says with more people living closer together, residents are better able to spot suspicious activity.

He also notes that Puna now has a burglary detail made up of three detectives.