Police are warning holidaymakers using social media could invite burglars into your home, and even invalidate your insurance.
Use of social media can make people targets for burglars when they are on holiday.
Worst of all – by posting such information yourself, you may even be invalidating the terms of your home insurance policy.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary has often been vocal on the topic, with its Be HomeSafe campaign.
The force warns people to "avoid sharing holiday plans on social media" and not to leave bins and recycling out. They also advice people to use timers on lights.
North Wales Police issued its own tweet with the hashtag #dontmakeiteasy, reminding those heading away this summer to save sharing their snaps until they’re safely home, reports the RAC.
The force points out that some insurance providers will invalidate home insurance claims made in light of a burglary which followed such a social post – claiming it proves homeowners failed to take “reasonable care” to protect their property.
While every provider will have its own stance on what constitutes reasonable or reckless behaviour when it comes to social media updates, it’s always best to check your policy documents to make sure where you stand.
As well as sharing photos of idyllic road trips, beach days and famous landmarks, holiday ‘countdowns’ are another form of post which police say should be treated with extreme caution – as they alert would-be thieves to the exact date you’ll be leaving your home unattended.
Admiral figures suggest as many as 36% of social media users have given away clear clues as to their future holidays online, while 40% of Facebook users tag or check in at their location.
As many as half of all burglaries take place when the homeowner is not at the property.
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