78% of burglars use social media to target properties

November 01 2017

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Social media is a part of modern life with many people posting every day, but most don’t think about just who can access the information they post. It might come as a surprise to know that 78% of burglars use Facebook and Twitter to target potential properties.

As experts in security, we know how burglars think and what could put your home at risk. You may not personally be inviting burglars into your home, but announcing your holiday or uploading photos of your new expensive purchase could amount to the same thing.

Here’s our top 10 tips to staying safe on social:

1. Don’t give too much information away about yourself and your life

2. Don’t tweet photos from inside your home

3. Don’t mention your address on any social network or sites that aren’t trusted

4. Don’t announce any risk to your home, such as a smashed window or broken alarm

5. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know on Facebook

6. Don’t announce when you’re going on holiday

7. Don’t ‘check-in’ at airports or holiday destinations on social channels. This tells people you’re out of the country and not home

8. Only post your holiday pictures when you return home

9. Don’t post photos of new expensive items you’ve bought or received as presents

10. Regularly check the safety settings of your social profiles, as when these change you may not realise exactly who you’re sharing content with

Following these tips will help you actively reduce your risk of burglary, protecting you and your loved ones.