You might not think that social media plays a role in whether or not your home is a target for burglars. When keeping your home secure however, the posts you send out to not only your followers but also the public, can be harmful in your attempts at keeping your house protected. 

The Social Media Posts that Affect Home Security

Social Media Location Check-ins

While it is tempting to check-in with your location when you are eating at the new restaurant in town or attending your favorite band’s concert, it is not advised. The announcement of your current location on social media means other people know exactly where you are and maybe even a rough estimate of how long you’ll be there. Updating your privacy settings may not even be enough to keep your location unknown if others decide to share your content.

Publicizing your location alerts burglars that you are out of the house, which makes your home an ideal target. Don’t put yourself at risk or make it easier for burglars to target your home by sharing your current location on social media.

Sharing Your Purchases on Social Media

You finally purchased the 60-inch television you’ve always wanted just in time for football season. You make a post on Facebook rallying your friends for the first game and promise them the “it’s like you’re there” experience thanks to your new 4K, high-definition television.

While your friends may be excited to hear the news, unfortunately, burglars will be as well. Intruders are more likely to break into your home knowing that you have items worth stealing. Keep to telling friends about your new purchases in person. You’d be surprised what a simple online search reveals and how easy it is for burglars to find their next target based on social media posts.   

Broadcasting Your Habits Online

Another danger to your home’s security is the broadcasting of your habits on social media. You may not realize it, but you have a daily routine that you follow consistently. This routine should not be shared online because those with ill intentions could use the knowledge that you go to work every day at 8 a.m. to plan a break-in.

Avoid casually mentioning your everyday routine on social media to help prevent burglars from targeting your home. The last thing you want is to come back from Wednesday night poker to a broken-in home.

Announcing Plans

Vacations, family reunions, conferences, and weddings are all exciting events and great things to post about on social media. The problem with sharing your plans for extended trips on social media is the danger that others will know you will be out of town for long periods of time. The information you provide through social media posts about your trip can turn out to be a danger to your home’s security.

Burglars would love to know that you will be out of town for a week and thanks to your post, they will. While it is hard to refrain from posting about big events, try to avoid posting the dates you will be away. If burglars don’t know when you will be gone, it may help deter any robberies.

Social media is a great way to keep in touch with your friends and family but it can also be a danger to your home’s security. In the future, be aware of what you share online and for added security, contact a home security company such as Pelican State Protection. By adding a home security system to your house, you will help prevent break-ins, even when robbers do obtain critical information online.