Facebook Fear! Social Networks A Dead Giveaway: Aussies
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Posting or tweeting locations on Facebook and Co could lead to break ins, 90% of Aussies believe.


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There have been increased reports of “opportunistic crime” occurring due to information obtained online, according to ADT Security, who revealed alarming new research yesterday.

Savvy criminals are learning when people are out of the house by checking peoples Facebook status, Twitter updates, allowing them to learn when homes are vacant, warns ADT Security.

“While sharing information with your online network is fun, it’s important to think twice before updating your Facebook status, tweeting or checking into foursquare” warns Michael Bates, ADT Residential Manager.

But there are things you can do to prevent criminals taking advantage of the info you have posted on the web: setting your profile to private, turning off location finders, or not accepting unknown people as friends.

Even “a bit of self-censorship when it comes to announcing an extended holiday – can help prevent falling victim to burglary or vandalism while away from home,” says Bates

ADT’s Secure Homes report surveyed 2000 residents from metropolitan and regional Australia and also revealed 30% of respondents had been the victim of a break-in.

Forced entry through a window is the most common means of entry for burglars accounting for 41% of break-ins, while entry through the back door (17%), front door (12%), an unlocked window (10%), garage (6%) and balcony (3%) were also common.

The survey also revealed some generational differences when it comes to home security. In the event of a break-in, ‘baby boomers’ are more concerned about identity fraud than other generations, with 62% identifying it as their primary concern.

Comparatively, less than half of Gen Y respondents cited this as a concern (48%).

 

Gen Y showed greater concern for their PC/laptop (72%) than personal records, cash or a camera while Gen X said the loss of personal records as their greatest concern rather than jewellery, cash and home theatre equipment.

The humble lock and key remains the home protection measure of choice for most of us (89%) although guard dogs (20%), bars on windows and doors (18%), warning signs and stickers (19%) and motion sensor lighting (15%) were also used.

Just 5% of respondents used CCTV surveillance in-house.