Does social media use put you at risk of becoming a victim of burglary? It could, if you aren’t careful what you’re sharing online. As one of the most established security companies in MD and the mid-Atlantic, we want to share this valuable information about social media safety with you.

Many of us remember our parents’ warning growing up: “Don’t put a note on the front door to tell me where you went. That’s like advertising to the whole neighborhood that no one’s home.” With social media, you’re putting a “note on the door” that everyone in your network can see; if your page isn’t secure, then you’re putting it out there for anyone to see.

Nearly 80% of ex-burglars polled in 2011 said that they believe that today’s burglars use Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr and other social media sites to find properties they can rob. They look for the status updates of users in their area who are broadcasting vacation plans; what else do they need?

Nothing really, except that some people make the mistake of providing even more information: dates, times, names of the neighbors who will be feeding the pets (in the form of tagging them in an online thank you note or some other communication). It’s hard to believe for those of us who know better, but some people will post everything short of their alarm codes on social media. All of that information can help a burglar decide what the best date and time to break into your house is, and you may never be the wiser until you hear from your alarm company that a break-in attempt occurred.

So, the next time you’re preparing to tweet or Facebook your vacation plans (yes, that includes Facebook and Foursquare “check-ins”), think twice. Believe one of the most trusted security companies in MD and New England: You may be inviting a criminal in, without knowing it until it’s too late.