Burglars read what you post online

Watchdog Security chief executive Brett Wilson. Photo / George Novak

Tauranga residents are being warned of burglars using social media such as Facebook to target homes over the school holidays.

Security firms and police warn that people updating statuses are sometimes advertising to criminals when they are away from home, what expensive new item they have just bought and whether they have a dog.

Tauranga-based Watchdog Security chief executive Brett Wilson said criminals would often use social media such as Facebook to commit burglary.

"In my experience criminals are really experienced in social media. A lot of property that gets stolen will be sold on Facebook," he said.

"People need to be really careful and parents need to be monitoring their kids to make sure they aren't putting anything like 'Yay, we're away on a holiday'. It's not too hard for criminals to find friends of friends to find out where people live, especially with kids who have a large circle of friends."

Burglars could also use Google street view to case a house instead of drive bys. They would be looking for ease of access and any covering such as fences, Mr Wilson said.

Marsden Hulme of security firm Vivint said people carelessly accepting friend requests or making posts visible to everyone unwittingly provided all the information a would-be thief could ask for.

"Often on holiday we want to share the experiences with friends and family, posting photographs and status updates for the grandparents to see - but all we're doing is letting would-be burglars know our movements," he said.

Bay Security Systems owner Andrew Straker said personal security online was just as important as ensuring you were also not leaving yourself vulnerable in the real world.

"Get your letterbox emptied. Leave shoes outside. Leave your key and a code for the alarm with someone, rely on your neighbours, they're the best thing."

Tauranga police Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross said social media could be used by people with a criminal agenda.

"The more information you put out there, the more risk you put yourself in."