'Theft always a problem during holiday season'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- With 24 shopping days left until Christmas, the gift buying turns into a rush at local stores.

But what should you do after making several purchases and you want to put your bags away in your car before continuing your shopping?

The number one suggestion most people give is stay off your phone and keep an eye on what's happening around you.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office told KOIN 6 News that theft is always a problem during the holiday season, specifically with shoplifting and organized retail theft.

"Whether they're going to open your unlocked door or break through your window and grab it and run - just don't leave it out in the open," cautioned David Huey with WCSO. "Theft is always a problem during the holiday season."

The biggest problem is with shoplifters and organized theft, he said.

"Organized retail theft is that theft where the person who's stealing the property is then going to give it to a fence, or someone else who is going to sell it on a different marketplace and undercut the traditional retailer," Huey said. "So the business owner really loses twice."

Most of the stolen goods they see "comes from the big box stores," he said. "Our loss prevention teams within those stores really work with us to try and get us a better, best information that they can at the time so that we can act on these."

Shoppers Andrew Lepley and Truc Lepley said they "definitely lock them in the car" when they have multiple packages and are still shopping. "Make sure they're in the back" or in the trunk.

Another suggestion involves moving your car to a different parking area before making another round at the shops in case someone watches you put your bags in the trunk.

Additionally, you can ask at stores and malls if they have a package holding area where you can leave purchases and get a receipt that shows they belong to you. This is all so you can come back and pick them up when you are done shopping.

Further, a shopper shared you can even bring a tote from home to put your shopping bags in to camouflage those name brand bags.