A car thief is targeting Subaru and Honda vehicles, and the Bainbridge Island Police Department is asking owners of older model Subaru Legacys, Honda Accords and Honda Civics to take extra steps to make sure their cars are locked and secured.

Bainbridge police issued a warning Wednesday for the owners of Legacy, Accord and Civic automobiles built between 1995 and 2005.

Investigators believe a car thief is driving stolen cars to Bainbridge Island, parking them, and then continuing on to Seattle as a walk-on passenger on the ferry.

More than one person may be involved in the crimes, police said. And when the person or persons return to Bainbridge from Seattle, a different vehicle is then stolen for transportation out of the area.

Police recently noticed a trend involving stolen Subaru and Honda vehicles.

“We’ve had several cars recovered and, at least, more than three stolen  vehicles on the island,” said Bainbridge Police Chief Matthew Hamner.

Hamner said the car thieves focus on certain models of Subarus and Hondas as primary targets because they have the specific know-how, or tools, to make off with those types of cars.

“We’re pretty convinced that these individuals understand how these cars operate and are able to get away with them very quickly,” he said.

Hamner said the police department has strong leads in the case.

He also encouraged owners of these vehicle models, especially in the downtown area near the ferry terminal, to be extra vigilant in securing their vehicles.

“Sometimes a few simple steps to secure your belongings can be enough to deter theft,” Hamner said.

Citizens are also asked to report any suspicious persons or circumstances by calling 911.