84% of holidaymakers increase the break-in risk by uploading social snaps while they’re still away

Research by hotel booking platform, hoo, reveals how our love for sharing holiday snaps on social media could attract more than a few likes and comments while we’re away, as one in ten of us also share details about where we live as well as our homes, leaving us open to a greater risk of being burgled. 

Leaving our homes empty while we jet away for some sun, sea and sand is always a risk and it comes as no surprise that a previous study by Verisure revealed that almost half of all burglaries occur when the occupants are away.

Many of us also take the longest breaks during the summer months, and from June to August there is a 10% spike in home burglaries compared to the rest of the year.

Now, the latest figures from hoo reveal that some holiday makers could be increasing the chance of being burgled by sharing their holiday snaps on social media while they’re still away. 

84% of those surveyed admitted that they share snaps of their holiday on social media platforms while they’re still on holiday, leaving just 16% who wait until they’ve returned home.

What’s more, one in ten of us also share social posts of our homes and the area we live in, making us a prime target for potential break ins.

With many of us also sharing snaps inside our homes, we could be broadcasting the valuable items that might be left unguarded such as jewellery, watches, tech and even our cars. 

hoo Co-founder, Adrian Murdock, commented:

“Social media platforms can be great but our online activity can be accessed by all manner of people if we aren’t savvy when it comes to our privacy settings. 

You never know who might be watching, so broadcasting the fact you’re away for a week or two can be risky, especially if you tend to share other aspects of your life such as where you live, what you drive or the valuable items you have within the home. 

So before you upload that poolside selfie, take a minute to think and if you don’t know everyone that is able to view it, or you’re not 100% it can’t be found or shared publicly, perhaps it’s better to hold off until you get home.”

Survey of 1,219 UK population carried out by hoo via consumer research platform Find Out Now (12th January 2022).

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