Social media sites are proving to be a burglar’s playground, according to a new study, which claims the vast majority of break-ins are plotted using the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and Google’s StreetView.
Carried out by security group Freidland, the survey of offenders shows 74% used StreetView to “case the joint” before planning their next move. A similar number used updates and “check-in” postings on Facebook and Twitter, to work out when home-owners were out – busting the myth that most burglaries are opportunistic.
Jonathan Lim, security expert at Friedland, commented: “The research has granted us access to an elusive group in society and assisted us in learning more about the habits of today’s burglars. The findings have broken down some of the illusions commonly associated with burglaries; with four out of five (80%) revealing burglary was not opportunistic, instead returning to a property a number of times before breaking in.
“Burglars are analysing what’s going on. They can see people’s status updates, with people on Twitter saying: ‘I’m away on holiday having a great time’. If they know where you live it’s like an open invitation.”
The report also exposed that in one burglary hit, a thief can cash in £487 of goods on average, compared to the average insurance claim being just over £1200.This is despite nearly four out of five (78%) ex-burglars admitting a simple home alarm system would have prevented them from targeting a property in the first place.
