The excitement is building. Your out of office is on. You are officially in holiday mode. You post a snap and let everyone know that you’re off on your well-deserved holiday. We’re all guilty of doing it, and it’s even more tempting after two years of lockdown, but have you thought of the potential consequences?
78% of burglars admitted to using social media to find their next target, so before you post your next airport snap, check out our guide on how to navigate social media to keep your home safe.
Posts to avoid before your holiday
Holiday Countdowns
Countdown apps are brilliant for keeping us organised and for building excitement as our holidays draw near. It can be tempting to share a screenshot on social media, but these posts can alert burglars to specific details like exact dates and the destination you are travelling to. Our advice would be to use the apps but keep the details for your personal use only – besides they’ll only make your friends jealous!
Out of Office
We all know the relief of setting your out-of-office or automatic replies, but sharing these details can be potentially high risk, as they show the exact dates of your annual leave. If your accounts are public this can be particularly harmful, as it allows the opportunity for someone to plan a burglary around those specific dates. Keep your out-of-office for your work colleagues and clients to avoid any potential risk.
What to do whilst you’re away
Airport Snaps
Nothing screams ‘holidays’ like a post of your latest purchase in duty-free or your terminal. Posting in real-time can give burglars the opportunity to execute a theft, knowing you are away from your home whether it be for a couple of days or weeks. This holds true for staycations too, posting a pic of your service station coffee miles away from home can give burglars an indication of how far you are and how much time they will have. We would suggest leaving these snaps for when you return home, collating them into a holiday folder to then share on your social media.
Flight Details
Similar to the above, it is surprising how often flight details are posted on social media and how much information these posts give away to a potential intruder. Think before you post and if you really wish to share this information ensure that the dates, location and any other holiday details are blocked out. By doing so, you will eliminate the opportunity for the burglar to plot their plan in advance while you’re thinking of what to pack.
Sunny Stories
Whilst we all love to show off our poolside pics, sharing your stories can be problematic. Stories, in particular, show activity within the last 24 hours, making them a key tool for burglars as there is no doubt as to where you are and that your property is empty. Instagram allows you to set up a close friends list, which allows you to choose a specific group of friends or followers to show your stories to. This could be a great alternative if you want to share your holiday in real-time but ensure this is a group you truly trust. Alternatively, wait until you are home and post all your snaps at once.
Alongside these social media tips above, there are some practical safety measures you can take to prevent your home. Reach out to a neighbour and ask them to keep an eye on your house and if they will put your bins away if they have been emptied – this is a telltale sign you are not home. If you are away for a couple of nights, why not look to timers for your lights? These are particularly helpful in the evenings to deter uninvited guests. Lastly, invest in a security system for peace of mind, whether you’ve chosen to go on a long weekend or a month-long sabbatical. Ring doorbells are excellent as you will be alerted to any activity at your door and the camera function allows you to see exactly who is paying your home a visit.
