As the summer getaway peaks, with schools out and airports busy, millions of UK homes are left empty while owners post countdowns, departure lounge pints and poolside views on Facebook and Instagram. But a top security expert warns that seemingly harmless posts about holidays, events or home renovations can quietly hand criminals a blueprint to our homes.
Social media gives burglars a blueprint
Edourd Rekko, UK managing director of home security firm Verisure, says the days of burglars casing a street for weeks are fading. Instead, a public profile can reveal a homeowner’s routine, valuables and whereabouts in seconds.
He said: “We live in a time when sharing our joys and achievements on social media has become the norm. While this can be wonderful, it isn’t always the safest choice. It’s natural to want to share home renovations you’ve worked hard on or paid for, but it’s important to remember that potential thieves may be watching.
“In the past, thieves might have cast a street or a home for weeks to understand your movements or assess entry points. Now, they can use home renovation accounts and understand your routine, value of belongings and whereabouts in seconds.”
Security incidents reported last year
Rekko added: “Last year we detected and intervened in 4,436 security incidents for the UK families and small businesses we protect, so no matter how exciting your new home project feels, always be mindful of what you post online. If something seems like too much information, it usually is.”
Five ways to stay safe online this summer
The security chief shared five tips to avoid giving burglars an advantage:
- Think before you post in real time – Sharing your whereabouts as it happens tells potential thieves exactly where you are, and aren’t. Save the updates and holiday photos for when you’re home.
- Don’t give away your layout – Avoid sharing floor plans or detailed tours of your home. If filming indoors, stick to a few rooms and never show the front of the property or anything that identifies it.
- Protect your most valuable possessions – Keep cash, documents and jewellery in a safe, and, just as importantly, keep its location discreet and hard to find.
- Don’t be lulled by a doorbell camera – Cameras cover the outside and have blind spots; they don’t stop a break-in, and you’ll still be calling the police after the fact. They let you review footage, not intervene in the moment.
- Install a monitored alarm system – It remains one of the most effective ways to secure a home. Trigger a sensor and a team of certified professionals can verify the alarm, dispatch a guard and notify the police.
