As the busy holiday season fast approaches, Lawrence police are encouraging people not to get so caught up in the hubbub that they become careless and vulnerable to crooks.

“When you’re out doing holiday things, like shopping or caroling … just be aware of your surroundings, know what’s going on around you,” said Sgt. Bill Cory, police spokesman.

Car break-ins pick up this time of year, police said, as thieves are drawn to store parking lots to prey on people going store-to-store to check items off their shopping list. Officers said you should leave your presents and valuables out of sight.

“If you are going shopping at multiple stores, don’t leave all your purchases lying in the open in your car,” Cory said. “Lock them in your trunk or put them in a place in your vehicle where people can’t see them.”

Cory said officers will be patrolling shopping center parking lots more frequently in coming weeks. They’ll also be conducting more frequent foot patrols in Downtown Lawrence to help make the holiday shopping season safe.

The holiday season offers many other opportunities for criminals, police said.

Officers said it’s a good time to remind people of the serial rapist who has been attacking women in Lawrence and Manhattan during the last several years. The man has raped women in Lawrence during times when Kansas University students are on break from school. The last attack occurred during Thanksgiving break last year.

Cory said residents also should be mindful of home break-ins as they leave town for the holidays. He encouraged people to have a neighbor check on their house and collect their mail and newspaper, so it’s not evident they’re away.