How Criminals Use Your Posts to Target Your Home
“OMG! We are SO excited about our trip to the Bahamas! We leave on Tuesday and are gone for an ENTIRE week! #HappyFace #ToesInTheSand”
Chances are, you’ve seen a post like that in your social media stream. With over 5.22 billion people worldwide using social media as of 2024 — representing nearly two-thirds of the global population— these vacation announcements have become commonplace across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The following week will be a flurry of pictures: shots of feet with blue water in the background, selfies on the beach, and images of frosty frozen rum drinks with umbrellas.
And while all of those people’s friends and family are feeling happiness (and perhaps jealousy), others will be feeling something else — excitement. Not excitement for a pal enjoying a great trip, but excitement because they now know that person is out of town and their house is empty, leaving it a prime target for a robbery.
According to recent research by alarm company Friedland, 78% of burglars are now using social media to track their victims and select possible targets. That’s right — thieves monitor social media to know when people are away. It’s just one of the many very real dangers of oversharing on social media.
People Broadcast Everything on Social Media
While some people have a carefully curated group of friends and family on social media and only allow them to see their posts, this isn’t typical. For most users, public posts and friends lists that number in the hundreds are the norm. People often don’t give much thought to the strangers out there who are following their every post with intense interest.
These posts include more than just vacation plans. They also include check-ins to various establishments that show you’re not home and announcements of exactly when you won’t be home. “Heading out to take the kids to school and then it’s off to work! #TGIF!”
One of the dangers of oversharing on social media is that strangers not only know when you’re away on vacation, but they also get to know your daily schedule and when you’re going to be out for an extended time in the evening. This is like broadcasting to all the thieves in the land that your home is unoccupied and vulnerable.
Among the dangers of oversharing on social media are helping thieves catalog what they’re going to steal when they get inside your empty home. “Look at this bling hubby got me for our anniversary! #MakingBeyonceJealous” or “Watching the SuperBowl in style with our new LED TV!” helps criminals decide that, yes, your house is the one to strike next. “Shiny new revolver! #WatchOutBadGuys” doesn’t do much to deter them, either, as guns are one of the most common items to be stolen when a home invasion happens.
The Modern Criminal’s Digital Toolkit
Today’s burglars are more sophisticated than ever before. Beyond social media monitoring, research shows that 74% of burglars also use Google Street View to scope out potential targets, allowing them to plan entry and exit routes from the comfort of their own homes. They’re not just looking for who’s away—they’re conducting virtual surveillance of your property before ever setting foot on your street.
These criminals often return to a property multiple times before breaking in, with 80% of burglars returning to survey a location several times. If they’ve identified you through social media, they could be watching and waiting for the perfect opportunity when you’ve announced you’re out for the night, on holiday, or even just out for the day.
Avoiding the Dangers of Oversharing on Social Media
Sadly, outlining the dangers of oversharing on social media isn’t enough to dissuade most people from letting the world in on their lives and their adventures. If you absolutely can’t wait until you get home from your magical beach trip to show the world where you’ve been, then there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you’re not putting the pieces back together after returning home to a break-in.
Essential Social Media Safety Tips:
- Adjust your privacy settings to only allow trusted friends to see your content
- Never announce travel plans in advance on any platform
- Wait until you return home to post vacation photos
- Disable location services and avoid geotagging posts
- Be cautious about check-ins at airports, hotels, or distant locations
- Review your friends list regularly and remove anyone you don’t actually know
- Avoid posting about expensive purchases or showing valuable items in your home
Physical Security: Your First Line of Defense
Beyond social media awareness, there are crucial steps to protect your home physically. Many thieves simply enter through an unlocked door, so lock all of your doors and windows before leaving. Don’t leave a key outside your home; criminals will check in your planters, underneath door mats, as well as look for fake rocks or anything else that might be hiding a key. In addition to this, trim back any branches or bushes that may give a thief an easy way to lurk near an entrance to your home.
Additional security measures include:
- Installing visible security cameras and lighting
- Using timers on lights and electronics to simulate occupancy
- Asking trusted neighbors to collect mail and packages
- Keeping your lawn maintained even when away
- Parking a car in the driveway, if possible
Professional Security Solutions: Beyond Social Media Awareness
While being mindful of social media oversharing is important, the most effective home protection comes from comprehensive security solutions that work around the clock — whether you’re posting vacation photos or sleeping soundly at home.
The stark reality is that homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into and burglarized. This statistic underscores why social media awareness, while important, isn’t enough on its own.
ProTech Security’s integrated home security systems provide multiple layers of protection:
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring: Unlike social media awareness, which relies on your vigilance, professional monitoring never takes a break. Our monitoring centers provide immediate response to any security alerts, even when you’re focused on enjoying your vacation.
- Smart Video Surveillance: High-definition cameras with cloud storage ensure you can monitor your property remotely. If someone does target your home based on social media posts, you’ll have real-time alerts and recorded evidence.
- Access Control Integration: Advanced systems track who enters and exits your property, providing detailed logs that go far beyond what a simple door lock can offer.
- Fire and Safety Protection: Comprehensive systems protect against more than just burglary—fire detection and carbon monoxide monitoring safeguard your family and property from multiple threats.
The ProTech Advantage for Modern Homeowners
With over 40 years of experience serving Northeast Ohio and Central Florida, ProTech Security understands that today’s security challenges require more than traditional approaches. Our hybrid security solutions combine on-site protection with cloud-based monitoring and edge analytics, creating a security ecosystem that works whether you’re sharing your adventures online or keeping them private.
Ready to protect your home from both digital and physical threats? Contact ProTech Security today for a comprehensive security consultation that addresses your specific needs and concerns.
