Facebookers give thieves helping hand

More than a third of householders lay themselves open to burglars by telling the world on Twitter or Facebook that they are going on holiday.

According to the insurance company Quotemehappy.com, 35 per cent advertise their 
vacation plans via social media, though it is not the only worrying lapse in security among Brits.

In total, 71 per cent leave signs that they are away, including allowing milk or post to build up, to the telltale lack of lights coming on while they are absent.

More than three in four do not have an active burglar alarm and 38 per cent leave valuable items in full view to those outside the home.

The survey of 2,000 homeowners also found 14 per cent leave a key outside the house, such as under the mat or in a plant pot – obvious places for a burglar to look.

Henry Topham of Quotemehappy.com, said: “They say a person’s house is their castle but, when it comes to protecting our properties from intruders, it would seem they are anything but.

“Burglars are simple opportunists and many homeowners are leaving tell-tale signs that they’re away and their house is empty, making it even easier for burglars to strike.”