Sharing Holiday Pics on Social Media: Experts Warn of Increased Burglary Risks
We all love to share our holiday photos on social media while we’re away. Whether it’s a picture of our feet on a sandy beach or a snapshot of our passport and boarding pass, we can’t resist a little holiday humblebrag. However, security experts are urging Brits to think twice before sharing their vacation moments online.
According to research by Go2Africa and YouGov, one in 20 people aged 18-24 are influenced by how “Instagrammable” a location is. But while it may be tempting to post those envy-inducing photos in real-time, burglars have been taking advantage of this trend.
To help keep homes safe while people are abroad, security experts at Safe.co.uk have revealed what not to post before and during a holiday. Here are some tips:
1. Out of office: Posting your “out of office” message may seem harmless, but it actually gives burglars specific dates of your absence. This can lead to multiple intrusions of your home.
2. Holiday countdowns: Sharing the countdown to your vacation may be exciting, but it also advertises the opportunity for burglars to strike. The most meticulous thieves may even monitor the local area to calculate the perfect time to break-in.
3. Location tagging and check-ins: Tagging your exact location on social media can be a personal security nightmare. Burglars can use this information to target your home. Even tagging from the airport gives them a window of opportunity.
Anthony Neary, managing director of Safe.co.uk, advises people to be smart with social media as “thieves lurk everywhere.” He suggests avoiding any posts that may alert burglars to a vacant home and ensuring that family members or neighbors keep an eye on the property.
So, before you hit that share button, think twice about the potential risks. It’s better to wait until you’re back home to share all those amazing holiday photos with your loved ones.