Holidaymakers heading abroad this summer are being warned over photos that could leave them vulnerable to thieves.

Ahead of the annual summer holiday getaway, an insurer is urging Brits to watch for what they post on social media, over fears it could tip off opportunistic thieves.

With over 23.8 million Brits jetting off as schools break up, Policy Expert said travellers should avoid posting on social media and check their privacy settings are up to scratch.

The warning comes as a study of over 4,700 people found that one in five Brits post photos or updates on Facebook , Instagram and other social media channels while on holiday, potentially putting their home at risk to burglars.

Almost one in ten also admit to letting their online followers know they are going away.

The revelation comes as home insurer Policy Expert found that 816,000 UK households have been burgled while owners have been on holiday.
Burglars operate at the most discreet times - including when owners are most likely to be abroad (
Image:
Photodisc)

Of those that have been break-in victims, a third said the thieves entered through a downstairs window while over a quarter tampered or broke the locks on the front or back door.

To prevent a potential burglary, over two thirds let their neighbour know they’re away so they can keep an eye out, while one in five ask their neighbours to pop in.

Well over two fifths leave a car on the driveway, a further 44% leave the indoor or outdoor lights on a timer to deter burglars, and three in 10 set a burglar alarm.

Adam Powell at Policy Expert, said: "While sun-lounger selfies may make you the envy of your friends, it’s easy to forget that you could be letting opportunistic thieves know you’re away from home.

"You wouldn't put a notice on your front door letting people know you won’t be home for two weeks, so why advertise to potentially hundreds of people on social media?

"Ensuring that your privacy settings are up to date and secure is a simple step to minimise the risk of any nasty surprises when you return from your holiday.

Protect your home - and your belongings

  1. Keep a tight rein on your privacy settings - check they're turned on across all accounts, so no information is publicly viewable and you're not inadvertently sharing your location. See our guide on privacy settings to find out more .

  2. Know who your 'friends' are – many of us add acquaintances on networking sites, so if you do choose to do this, remember what you’re sharing won’t always be confined to your closest family and friends.

  3. Resist the urge to overshare – watch out when posting pictures or expensive new purchases too. You might want to show your friends you have the new Apple watch, but think of what you’re advertising to potential burglars.

  4. Make sure your connection is secure - ensure that you are connecting securely while travelling and avoid using public or unsecured wi-fi networks.

  5. The most basic rule - never post personal details (address, details of your bank etc.) anywhere online.