This is South Wales --RESIDENTS are being urged not to make life easier for burglars by announcing their holiday plans to the world on social media.
With many people posting regular updates on their activities and whereabouts on the likes of Twitter and Facebook, Safer Swansea and South Wales Police are calling on people to think twice before advertising the fact that their properties are empty.
The warning is part of a range of burglar-busting advice for families as they prepare for the school summer holidays getaway this month.
Paul Evans, crime prevention officer at Swansea Council, said: "Safer Swansea strongly urges homeowners not to announce their holidays on social media sites prior to their break.
"This only advertises an empty property to people.
"Even if privacy settings are set up people should still be cautious as most have a long list of 'friends' that we do not know a great deal about — including if they are involved in crime."
The summer months often see a spike in burglaries, with many people going on holidays and leaving their properties empty, while those who stay at home often leave doors and windows open. Police say most of these burglaries can be prevented if people ensure they carry out simple security measures to keep their homes and property safe.
Kevin Evans, a tactical advisor for South Wales Police's western division — which covers Swansea and Neath Port Talbot — said: "Burglars love holidays too, as it is a time where people often become lax in the security measures they take due to being distracted with the excitement of a holiday.
"But coming home to a property that has been burgled is devastating and something people should do all they can to avoid.
"By following Safer Swansea's top tips homeowners can trick burglars into thinking someone is still at home which will prevent their homes from being targeted."
As well as being careful about what you say on social media, Safer Swansea is urging people to take simple steps to keep their houses secure such as using timer switches to turn lamps on at different times throughout the day, suspending newspaper and milk deliveries, asking a trusted friend to collect mail from the doormat, locking doors and windows and using a burglar alarm. Reported by This is 1 day ago.