Police have issued a stern warning to holidaymakers think about posting on Facebook about their forthcoming trips.
Many of us love to share our excitement ahead of a holiday on social media but North Wales Police have urged people to think carefully before doing so.
And with good reason because they revealed a fact that will likely be a surprise for many people - putting posts from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram could actually invalidate your home insurance.
This comes amid concerns that sharing statuses and photos on social media could alert burglars to the fact your property is empty - and vulnerable to thieves.
Industry experts have recently expressed similar concerns, which is backed up by current statistics on UK burglaries, North Wales Live reports .
Research shows that a large proportion of home raids take place when the homeowner isn't there, so it's particularly important to make your property safe while you're away for long periods of time.
Yesterday's warning by the North Flintshire Local Policing Team however targets one particular way that the public are putting their properties, and home insurance, at risk.
In a tweet, they shared a photo of a holiday countdown, which often appear on social media timelines as users share how long is left until their next holiday.
Accompanying the photo was the caption: " Did you know some companies invalidate Home Insurance Policies if you make a social media post like this and then get burgled whilst away!"
The force account also advised against checking in at airport and recommended uploading holiday photos once you're back home.
Technology and burglaries
The topic has long been the subject of much discussion, including by other experts such as Alex Iszatt.
The Crime Specialist collaborated with insurer Admiral to reduce the risks faced by homeowners in the UK.
He revealed that 36% of social media users have mentioned future holidays on their accounts, a fact which is particularly worrying considering almost 50% of burglaries take place when the homeowner is away.
Mr Iszatt added that 40% of Facebook users tag their location while abroad, noting that these act as a "clear advertisement that your house is unoccupied."
The crime expert also revealed that technology then makes it easier for thieves to target your home, citing that they "can get a good idea about where you live and use street view to find the best way into your property."
The home insurance policy
Home insurance providers often require that homeowners take "reasonable care" over their property, and it's possible posting holiday updates wouldn't be considered this.
The AA said: "In the event of a claim some insurers may see the updates as reckless, and proof you weren't being careful enough to protect your home."
The insurance provider added that it "could even void your insurance," as has already become more common across the US.
Perhaps most likely though is the risk that your social media presence may expose that you've broken the terms and conditions of your policy.
For example, if your holiday cover is limited to a month per trip but you've posted on Twitter that you're abroad for two months.
