It used to be that careful robbers had to drive around neighborhoods for days, figuring out which homes were isolated and empty. Or, they had to pose as delivery workers or door-to-door sales people in order to scope out possible targets. Now, though, most of the information they are looking for can be found on social media.
With just a quick look through Facebook, for example, they can find out who might be on vacation, what sorts of valuables can be seen in photos, and whether a home has dogs. In just a few minutes, they can practically create a “shopping list” for different houses to break into.
Knowing that, how can you enjoy your favorite social networking accounts without giving away information to burglars? Here are a few easy-to-use tips you can follow…
• If you haven’t adjusted your privacy settings, do so right away. You don’t want strangers to be able to see your personal posts.
• Be careful about putting anything online that might serve to interest thieves or burglars. Check the backgrounds of your photos for cash, jewelry, or valuables before posting them.
• Teach kids about smart social media usage, including what is and isn’t safe to share online.
• Post photos from vacations and work trips after the fact. Never let the public know you’re away from home while you’re gone.
And of course, you should invest in a modern home security system that deters thieves and keeps you protected. For a free estimate, call the SafePath team today at 770-792-6868!
