You go away for a couple of weeks of rest and relaxation. You return to find your home has been burgled.
That’s one surefire way to kill the post-vacation buzz pretty much instantly.
So, really, why open yourself up to the risk?
The New Westminster Police Department (see our story starting on page 1) is reminding everyone to take precautions this summer to avoid becoming another summer crime statistic. Some of their suggestions are so simple that you’d think we’d all be doing them already – things like making sure your doors and windows are locked, securing important papers and valuables in a small safe, and having a neighbour collect newspapers and flyers so they don’t pile up on your doorstep. (Better yet, just call your friendly neighbourhood newspaper office and cancel delivery for a couple of weeks.)
But there are also some other, perhaps less obvious, steps to take if you want to stay safe – and those steps involve social media.
Sure, we know you want to tell all your friends about your impending African safari or retreat to Bora-Bora. But stop and think a moment before you post the good news on Facebook – do you really want everyone to know?
Sure, you trust your friends. But do your privacy settings allow their friends to see your posts? Or worse yet, the world at large? Before you post anything on social media about going away and leaving your home unoccupied, it would be wise to double-check your privacy settings – and even wiser to post nothing at all until you’re back home. Then you can post your tanned and smiling selfie and gloat all you want about your fantastic vacation – without worrying that you’ve just invited thieves over to play.
So be smart this summer. Just a few simple precautions could prevent you from becoming another sad statistic.
