TYLER — 'Tis the season for spending more money.

Some people carry around more cash during the holidays, and more criminals are out looking for it.

Tyler police says we need to make sure and take extra precaution this time of year, especially when carrying around large sums of money.

In the past 24 hours, there have been at least two instances of theft in east Texas.

One elderly man was donating items to a local outreach center.

"He was outside and he was leaning over doing something and two black males came up from behind him and were able to reach in his back pocket took his wallet and took off," said Don Martin of Tyler PD.

In Longview, a man was on his way to the bank when he was ambushed by three men.

"Apparently, he was doing a deposit for the business he worked for ... his vehicle was stopped and then they attacked him and shot him," said Seth Vanover of Longview PD.

We asked east Texans if they worry about it happening to them and what they do to protect themselves and their money this holiday season. Here's what they had to say:

"It would take me a while to get it i guess but i got a little knife in my purse," Linda Freeman said.

"If anyone gets too close behind me, i get a little suspicious," Bill Herring said.

" A Fanny pack ... they'll have trouble getting it off of me," said Wanda Dominges.

"I really don't worry about being safe," said Hugh French. "I haven't been threatened at anytime, so I just keep it (money) in my wallet and don't let anyone get near it."

Martin says citizens should try to be extra aware of their environment.

"If you're out and about and people are getting too close to you and in your personal space, then that's where you protect yourself," he said.

Tyler Police also tell KETK that starting the day after Thanksgiving, the city's bike patrol will be all around the south part of Tyler shopping areas to increase security.

That includes places like the mall, Target, Wal-Mart and Old-English Village.