ARDMORE, OK - 'Tis the season for holiday shopping but it's also the season of holiday thefts and area police want to help you protect yourself.

Police say it's worth taking the extra few seconds to lock your car door and hide valuable items because auto burglaries are a problem that's increasing nationwide especially over the holidays.

While you're out shopping this holiday season burglars are window shopping as well.

Holiday shopper Tara Carina said, "It's probably because of the christmas season a lot of people keep their gifts in plain sight and people think of the opportunity to break in and get those gifts."

Not every day will be as busy as 'black friday' but the mall parking lots are still crowded and police say they plan to warn the public early this year.

Sgt. Ryan Hunnicutt with Ardmore Police said, "One of the most important things you can do is lock your car the second thing is don't leave valuable items, whether it be a purse or a VCR you just purchased or whatever the item might be don't leave it out in plain view."

Carina said she takes every precaution to keep herself and her purchases safe.

"I just make sure I lock my doors and when I am carrying my purse around I just make sure I keep it close," Carina said.

Purse snatching is another common crime during the holidays according to Ardmore Police.

"People want to set their purse in the front of their buggy at Walmart and all you have to do is turn your back for just a second," Hunnicutt said.

It could be a 'blue christmas' if you are targeted by thieves because officers say it's very hard to recover stolen property and crimes like auto burglaries are difficult to solve.

"if your tires get cut its because you have fired someone at work or whatever, we have a place to start but these its just criminals are in the environment and they see an opportunity and they take it," Hunnicutt said.

But they say the best advice is simple.

"Your best strategy is to take your credit card, your debit card, your id and maybe a check folded up and put it in your pocket, not carry your wallet and leave your purse in the trunk of the car," Hunnicutt said.

Police warn its not just your valuable items and holiday gifts you should be worried about but also your personal documents.

By leaving them in your vehicle thieves could find out where you live or even steal your identity.