For some residents, Bainbridge Island might as well be Mayberry, where locks are as superfluous as a bumbling police deputy.

But according to Bainbridge Police, problems with prowlers are afoot.

Thieves nowadays ransack cars in search of more than just cash or stereo equipment; they seek information that can be used to steal identities.

So while computer users fortify their firewalls to protect themselves from hackers, identity thieves are rummaging through gloveboxes across the island in search of documents that will help them become someone else.

“We are concerned,” said Bainbridge Police Lt. Phil Hawkins, of a rash of recent car prowls around Bainbridge. “This is something the public needs to know about.”

Hawkins said about 100 car prowls have been reported thus far this year.

While he was unsure how that number ranked compared to last year’s statistics, he was certain that the problem has worsened over the past month or two, saying that it hasn’t been unusual of late to get reports of three or four incidents a night.

In addition to the staples of thievery like wallets, prowlers are taking vehicle registrations, owner’s manuals and insurance cards. Though police don’t know exactly how the items are being utilized, they believe it is likely some form of identity theft.

Washington state last year ranked seventh among the 50 states for the number of identity theft victims (92) per 100,000 people, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

In addition, 41 percent of identity theft victims nationwide didn’t realize their information was being misused until at least six months after the theft first occurred, meaning thieves often spend several months racking up charges at the expense of unsuspecting victims.

Which is why, police say, it is important that people don’t leave their personal documents vulnerable, whether on their computer or in their car.

Hawkins said there is no pattern that clearly connects the recent car prowls on the island with one another or with a larger identity theft ring, but said police are working to address the problem.

“The incidents are happening both during the day and at night,” he said. “And they’re happening all over the island. We’ve even had cases of prowlers in garages when people are home.

“Some of these criminals are very brazen.”

Though some windows have been smashed, the majority of vehicles, Hawkins said, were unlocked, which is something police don’t recommend.

“People get a false sense of security,” he said. “They think that because this is such a peaceful place, the peacefulness extends to the criminal realm. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, and this is just another glaring reminder.”

Hawkins encouraged residents to lock their doors and keep a watchful eye on their surroundings.

“If you see or hear something unusual don’t hesitate to call 911,” Hawkins said. “People know their neighborhoods better than we do. They can tell what’s normal and what isn’t.

“That’s why we need their help.”