BREMERTON — Theft during the holiday season can be especially pervasive, and the Bremerton Police Department wants everyone to be prepared just in case.

The BPD have released the following tips to help prevent theft during the holidays.

Prevention tips for home:

— Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment; even if it is just for a few minutes.

— If you display a Christmas tree, do not display it and gifts in the front window so they are easily visible from the street.

— Burglars look for occupancy cues like outdoor lights burning 24 hours a day, piled up newspapers, mail or advertising fliers hanging on door knobs. Use an inexpensive light timer when you are away, and ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers.

— If you go out for the evening, turn on lights and a radio or television so the house or apartment appears to be occupied.

— Burglars know to look for the hidden door key near the front entrance. Do not hide spare keys under rocks, in flowerpots, under door mats or above door ledges. Instead, give the spare key to a trusted neighbor.

— Burglars prefer to enter through unlocked doors or windows. A problem can occur if you display exterior holiday lighting, and the extension cords are run inside through a window that prevents it from being secured.

— Don’t leave descriptive messages on your telephone answering machine such as: “You have reached the Joneses; we are away skiing for the holidays.” Burglars like to hear that they have plenty of time to break in and completely ransack your home.

The holiday season is a time when many people will be busy shopping and running errands in preparation for the season. Criminals will also be out and about looking for easy targets and to make a big score.

Shopping prevention tips:

— Shop before dark if possible. Coordinate shopping trips with a friend. Never park in an unlit lot or area, no matter how convenient it is.

— Remove all valuables from your vehicle. Keep your vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed.

— Have your keys readily available in your hand before you go to your car. When you return to your vehicle, scan the interior of your car to be sure no one is hiding inside.

— Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit/debit card when possible.

— To discourage purse snatchers, don’t overburden yourself with packages. Have your purchase(s) delivered whenever practical.

— Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse under your arm. Keep a wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not a back trouser pocket. Do not leave purses or handbags unattended in a shopping cart.

— Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. During this time of year, con artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money and belongings.

Joe Sexton, community resource officer for the BPD, shared a report with the Bremerton Patriot showing crime statistics in December.

From 2013 to 2014, the number of shoplifting reports in December increased by 113 percent; vehicle prowling increased by 76 percent; vehicle theft increased by 83 percent; theft increased by 29 percent; and trespassing increased by 9 percent.

However, from 2013 to 2014, domestic violence and DUI reports in December both decreased, by 51 percent and 56 percent respectively.

The report also states, “A few ‘actors’ drive a lot of crime,’ meaning it’s not necessarily a lot of people committing one or two criminal acts, but tends to be a few people committing many.

Statistically, “campers” and vacant houses tend to be targets of home robbery; older cars and unlocked cars tend to be targets of vehicle theft or prowling; and shoplifting is “related directly to privatization of liquor and store practices,” according to the BPD report.

For more information and tips on holiday crime prevention, visit www.ci.bremerton.wa.us/335/Police-Department.