There are around 57.6 million active social media users as of February 2022, which is around 84% of the UK population. With the huge amount of new apps and technology continuing to evolve, home security risks are on the rise as online apps continue to grow.
Burglars are now starting to use social media as a means of finding properties that might be an easy target in their area and they are using a number of ways to do this.
In this blog we look at how burglars can use social media to target your home and some tips on how to improve your home security and keep yourself safe online to avoid becoming one of these targets.
Personal Information
It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with sharing personal information online.
While the internet can be a great place to connect with friends and family, it’s important to remember that not everyone is who they seem.
Sharing your birthday, phone number or revealing your hometown will benefit a burglar as it might bring them closer to finding your address, or guessing your password.
So, it’s important to be cautious about what information you share, and with whom you share it. If you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of caution and keep your personal information to yourself.
By doing so, you’ll help protect yourself from identity theft, fraud and other serious crimes.
Privacy Settings
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, but it’s important to remember that not all platforms offer the same privacy protection.
For example, platforms like Facebook and Instagram have very public profiles by default, which means that anyone can see your posts and personal information unless you adjust your privacy settings.
By contrast, platforms like Snapchat and WhatsApp offer more privacy by default, but they also have options to make your account more public if you choose.
So, if you’re concerned about burglars stumbling across sensitive information, it’s important to adjust your privacy settings accordingly.
On most social media platforms, you’ll have the option to set your account as private, which will give you complete control over who has access to your profile.
By taking this simple step, you can reduce the risk of criminals using your information to target your home.
Friend Requests
Although social networking has many benefits, it can also be a hazard if you’re not careful. Burglars have been known to use social networking sites to find potential targets.
They may create a fake profile and become “friends” with you in order to get personal information such as your address or schedule.
They may also send you messages in an attempt to start a conversation. If you’re not careful, you could unwittingly provide them with the information they need to commit a crime.
If you don’t think you know the person, make sure you check the account is legitimate before being tempted to add them.
Location Check-ins
One of the risks of sharing your location online is that you could be broadcasting to potential burglars that you’re not home.
This information can come from tagging locations on your posts or checking in to certain locations, and it can be a signal to criminals that your home is unoccupied and therefore an easy target for theft.
To avoid this, be cautious about the information you share online and consider whether it’s really necessary to do so.
Holiday Photos
It’s understandable that you want to share your holiday photos with your friends and family, but you need to be mindful about what you’re sharing. Even if you think your social media settings are private, it’s always best to be cautious.
So wait until you’re back from vacation to post those pictures, that way, you can enjoy your holidays without worrying about your home security.
Valuable Items
Just as we encourage homeowners to hide their belongings from view in their home, it’s a good approach to adopt online too. Always make sure to set your account is set to private first, and only share with people you trust.
So, besides staying safe online, what else can you do to avoid your home becoming a target of theft?
Home Security
We offer high-level home security systems in the Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire areas with over 30 years of experience working to keep your home safe and secure.
Whether you are looking to replace your existing home security systems or install a new system we can advise you on the right choice for your property.
Whether you need to get a CCTV System, Burglar Alarm System or an Access Control System, we can help to offer you a high-quality service with the most customer-friendly company in Lincolnshire.
Contact Lincs Alarms Today
For more advice on keeping your home secure contact Lincs Alarms today. We offer helpful advice and recommendations and can complete a free survey to look at your security requirements to improve your home security.
