Holiday thieves are now stealing from layaway piles

Surveillance video from a Wal-Mart shows criminals ripping off presents people had put on layaway.

The criminals in this video walked out of the store with tools they didn't pay for, to then break in to the trailers where layaway gifts were being held for customers.

Some think this may be the start of a worrying trend.

"It's a lot easier for a thief during the holidays because of the sheer volume and the lack of security. What happens is it becomes a target rich environment for thieves," said Brad Garrett, ABC legal analyst.

Law enforcement experts warn retail thefts rise by as much as 30 percent during the holidays.