Authorities are urging residents to be cautious when handing out holiday tips for sanitation workers and mail carriers.

"Don't leave money or gift cards or anything else on the street. We recommend leaving a note, have the person come to your door, ring your doorbell and then you can give it to them in person," advises Yonkers Police Officer Frank Didomizio.

Didomizio says this is really the only way to ensure tips are going to the people whom residents want to show their appreciation.

He also says don't hide any tips under the garbage can lid either because it's not as clever an idea as one may think.