Nassau Commissioner Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder says while holiday shopping, make sure your gifts are not in sight, and do not leave those car doors unlocked - or a grinch just might get in.

To protect people purchasing presents during this busy season, there is an increased police presence in the malls, shopping centers and surrounding parking lots.

"What we’re seeing is that criminals like to walk through the parking lots, jiggle the handles, if its open go into that car and start to steal," says Ryder.

The commissioner says the safety tips are just as important when you get home. He says there have been people across the county trying to get into unlocked cars in residential areas.