(LFUCG)–The holiday shopping season is upon us. It is a time when our loved ones can become busy and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share these safety tips with family, friends and neighbors:

• Lock your doors
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight
• If shopping at night, park in well-lit areas
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked
• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated

In addition to  traditional methods of holiday shopping, this is also a period of increased online selling by individuals. The Lexington Police Department is seeing a rise in counterfeit money cases. The counterfeit money is not like the motion picture novelty money, its actual counterfeit money. If you choose to sell items online, examine money prior to selling the items and choose to meet at public places, such as near a business that has security video, to deliver the items.