ARE you excited to go away on holiday?

While it may be tempting to boast to the world your next holiday escape, it’s worth a rethink.

A staggering 78% of burglars use social media to target properties, according to ADT.

Don Shulsinger from Blink, the manufacturer of the video home security and monitoring system Blink, offers his advice to keep your home secure.

Don’t post airport selfies

Be cautious about posting your travel plans on social media, and instead save the sharing of updates until you return from your holiday. Telling the world about your upcoming break gives burglars a heads up when your house is due to be vacant.

Then, with a Google search, it can be relatively easy to pinpoint your house. If you do decide to post holiday snaps, it’s best to check your privacy settings and ensure your GPS location data is disabled.

Make sure your kids’ social media is monitored appropriately and that the safety and privacy settings are reviewed regularly. Social media channels are updated often and therefore it’s important to check they are the same as when you last altered them.

Tell those you trust

If you don’t have a neighbourhood watch scheme, neighbours and close friends can help monitor your property for anything suspicious. They can make sure the garden is tended to and remove the post, to make it is less obvious that you are away on holiday.

Security lighting

Thanks to automatic switches, you can make it appear as if you’re home when you’re not. Set up some internal and outdoor lights on automatic switches and be sure to pay special attention to entry points. These lights are generally inexpensive and easy to install but double-check that they are working properly before you go.

Check insurance and banking services

Ensure that your policies are paid up for homeowners, car, and medical insurance. If necessary, advise your bank and credit card companies that you will be away so that they can alert you to any unusual account activity.

Contact alarm company

If you have a more formal home surveillance service, be sure that they have the current key holder details in order to prevent any false alarms interrupting your holiday. Has the alarm been serviced? Update the local authorities if you’ve registered your alarm with them.

Video monitoring system

Believe it or not, some of the most sophisticated wireless home security systems can cost less than the hotel room you’ve booked. A home security and monitoring system will provide an enhanced level of security and peace of mind while you’re away.

Cameras can be positioned inside and outside of your property. You can then be instantly alerted to a break in through an app on your mobile device.