15 Things Burglars Can Learn About You from Social Media

man using phone during nighttime
Photo by Isabell Winter on Unsplash

When we post things about ourselves online, we’re not just sharing moments with friends and family. We’re giving criminals exactly the kind of information they need. They can figure out our routines, where we live, and even our weak spots from just a few Instagram posts. Here’s a closer look at 15 things they might be learning from your social media posts—and why it matters. 

When You’re Away on Vacation

a woman with braids looking out over a city
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Vacation is the best time someone can target your house. You’re out of town, so burglars have the perfect opportunity to steal whatever they can. Those vacation photos that you take? They’re practically an open invitation to burglars as you let them know your house is wide open. Instead of posting in real time, share your vacation memories after you’re back home.

Your Home Layout

books on table
Photo by Nick Hillier on Unsplash

Giving a “new home tour” to your Instagram followers seems innocent to you, but these shots reveal a lot to burglars. Photos showing your entryways, windows, or even where you keep valuables help them understand the complete layout, and then they can create a strategy using your information. So avoid posting detailed interior shots or any room where you keep important items.

Expensive Gadgets and Electronics

red and black device on white surface
Photo by TheRegisti on Unsplash

Showing off your new iPhone, TV, or computer on social media? That’s basically telling burglars what they’ll find if they break in. Do you know that high-value electronics are very easy to resell? Posting about them is like creating a shopping list for burglars. Keep your tech unboxing videos or gadget upgrades off social media. Nobody cares about them except criminals.

The Neighborhood You Live In

empty isle
Photo by Shona Corsten on Unsplash

Tagging the nearby coffee shop or sharing the beautiful view from your street? Even if you don’t give an exact address, these posts can help burglars identify the general area. If they know about the area where you live, they can do a drive-by to get all the details. So don’t tag places near your home in your Instagram or Facebook posts.

Your Family Members

a man, woman, and child are posing for a picture
Photo by Trust “Tru” Katsande on Unsplash

Sharing about your mom’s daily routine or your dad’s job schedule is not going to help anyone. Posting family photos or tagging household members can help burglars piece together who lives with you in the house. If they know it’s a busy family home, they can figure out when each person might be out and when the house might be empty. 

Your Routine and Daily Schedule

a woman is doing exercises in a gym
Photo by SUNDAY II SUNDAY on Unsplash

Regular gym selfies or “off to work” posts will tell burglars when you’re away from home. The more regular the pattern, the more predictable your schedule is to anyone watching. Instead of sharing daily routines publicly, save updates for once in a while so you’re not giving away a precise schedule. Also, don’t share about your Monday therapy or Tuesday dancing classes online. Or burglars will attack only on these specific days.

Big Events You’re Attending

group of people watching concert
Photo by Rachel Coyne on Unsplash

Whether it’s a concert or a wedding, if you’re posting about going to big events like these, burglars will know you’ll be gone for hours. Large crowds mean a long window to break in without any kind of interruption. Post event updates after you come back home so that nobody notices that you’re out.

Pets and Their Habits

short-coated gray dog near green leafed plants
Photo by Christopher Ayme on Unsplash

How can sharing about your furry friends help burglars? Think about it this way: posting about your pet’s walking routine or yard time helps burglars know when you might be out and when the dog is in. It’s even more useful if they know the breed. Some thieves will totally avoid homes with big dogs, but they may still try if it’s a smaller pet. 

Delivery Times for New Purchases

A Deliveryman Checking His Cellphone
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

If you’re excited about a new purchase and share screenshots of delivery details, you’re setting burglars up with information on timing. They might catch the package on the porch, or if it’s furniture or electronics, they’ll know when these new items are in your home. So avoid posting pictures of your order details, and consider tracking deliveries privately.

Your Financial Status

person holding brown leather sling bag
Photo by Jonathan J. Castellon on Unsplash

Regular posts of luxury items, high-end clothing, or frequent trips to fancy vacation spots show that you may have valuable items in your home. Because all these things reveal how rich you are, burglars will assume there’s plenty worth stealing. Rather than sharing an Instagram update about every new purchase or vacation, be selective with what and where you share that information.

Your Security Measures

a white camera sitting on top of a white table
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

We know how excited you are to show off your new fancy security system. But is it wise to share such sensitive details? No, it’s not. Showing off new security cameras, alarm panels, or locks can give burglars insight into what they’ll need to bypass. Keep your security upgrades to yourself so that no one gets an advantage.

Garage or Spare Key Hiding Spots

keys on hand
Photo by Maria Ziegler on Unsplash

Joking about where you hide your spare key or showing parts of your front porch in photos can give away key spots, literally. Even a small clue, like mentioning a “tricky hiding place” under the welcome mat, can reveal too much. Avoid showing these areas in your photos to keep your spare key spot hidden.

Home Improvement Projects

a variety of tools are sitting on a table
Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash

Posting about a major remodel or upgrade can alert burglars to new, expensive items in your home, from appliances to tools. Plus, when home updates are taking place, it often means that your home security might be disrupted by contractors or open doors. So, don’t share specific dates or updates until the project is totally finished.

Your Car and License Plate

timelapse photography of green SUV on road
Photo by JD Weiher on Unsplash

Photos showing your car, especially with visible plates, help burglars identify which car is yours. This means they’ll know when you’re home or not just by spotting your car (or lack of it) in the driveway. If you want to share about a new car, try taking photos that don’t show your plates or give away your parking spot.

Your Friends’ Location

photo of woman beside another woman at seashore
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Sharing pictures of your friends online will also land you in trouble. Tagging them in vacation photos or group shots can indicate multiple empty homes, making everyone an easier target. Not only will a criminal target your house, but it will also target everyone’s house. So don’t put everyone in danger.