Last year’s 26 percent increase in crime reports on the Kansas University campus isn’t necessarily bad news.

That’s because the crime statistics may be more reflective of increased enforcement rather than increased crime.

There were 832 crime reports in all categories in 2014 compared with 661 reports in 2013. Of particular note was a 65 percent increase in reported drug violations on campus from 107 cases in 2013 to 177 cases in 2014.

That disparity is a little surprising, but KU police attribute most of the increase to the fact that student housing employees now are being trained to recognize illegal activity and identify illegal drugs. Using search warrants and patrolling parking lots also has resulted in increased drug enforcement on campus. The largest category of offenses, KU officials say, is marijuana in residence hall rooms.

The fact that KU has been successful in better enforcement of drug laws on campus probably is good news.

Another positive is that violent crime — murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault — held steady at about 1 percent of the overall KU total. During 2014, there were three rapes, two robberies and four aggravated assaults reported to KU police. The rape number includes only cases that are reported to KU police, not those reported only to the KU Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access.

Date rape on campus has garnered considerable attention in recent months and many victim advocates say the crime is vastly under-reported because victims blame themselves or fear the stigma or repercussions that would come from reporting their assault. It’s another place where an increase in the number of reports might actually be positive if it results in improved enforcement.

It’s important that KU provide a safe and stable environment for students on campus. An increase in campus crime certainly is negative, but if it reflects increased reporting and enforcement, it can have positive results.