Before you post a photo from your vacation on Facebook, think about who can see it and whether there's any way an opportunistic thief might use the image to put two and two together and realize there's no one home to stop a break-in.
Thieves use Facebook, Twitter and other sites just like anyone else, warns Wolfgang Balders of the crime prevention unit of Cologne's police department. That's why it's best to put up as few details about your vacation while you're still on the trip.
"Dates and geographical information don't belong on the internet," he warns. Also think about what's in your photos.
"If you can see the whole family in the shot, then robbers can be pretty sure the house is empty."
Facebook lets users set who can see their picture. But that's not really an option with Twitter and Instagram, which means you should be more careful with those. In general, it's best not to post vacation photos until the trip is over. Make sure your children adhere to the same rules.
Think about whether you absolutely need a vacation response on your answering machine or email while you're away.
"Anyone who puts up a vacation notice tells the world they're not home," says Harald Schmidt, who works on crime prevention in Germany at the federal and state government levels. Even a system like Whatsapp can supply information that not everyone needs.
But don't focus all your attention on social media. The house has to look occupied while you're away, which is when you need to rely on your neighbours. "Have him come and change the blinds at the usual time and open them up every day," says Balders. A lawn that hasn't been mowed in weeks also looks suspicious, as does an overflowing mailbox, both of which might prove tempting to a thief, even one who doesn't have a Facebook account.
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