The #1 Best Way to Keep Criminals From Knowing You’re on Vacation
Hint: Stop Announcing It to the Entire Internet
There is one incredibly simple trick that dramatically reduces the chances of advertising your empty house to criminals.
No, it is not a state of the art alarm system.
No, it is not a moat filled with alligators.
And no, your inflatable lawn flamingo dressed like a police officer is not fooling anyone.
The number one way to avoid telling criminals your home is empty is to stop posting on social media that you are on vacation.
Seriously.
Every year thousands of people proudly post photos from the airport, tag their location at a tropical beach, and write captions like:
“Off to Aruba for ten days. The house will miss us.”
So will your television.
Your laptop.
Your jewelry.
And possibly your lawn mower.
Imagine walking through your neighborhood with a megaphone yelling:
“Attention everyone. Nobody will be home until next Thursday. Feel free to stop by.”
Sounds ridiculous, right?
Now replace the megaphone with Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other social media platform where hundreds or thousands of people can see your posts.
Congratulations. You just invented the digital megaphone.
Your Friends Are Not the Only Ones Watching
People often think their social media audience is limited to friends and family.
Unfortunately, that audience can also include former coworkers, distant acquaintances, fake profiles, scammers, and anyone who happens to see a public post.
Criminals do not need to drive around looking for empty homes if homeowners are providing live updates.
“Just checked into the resort.”
“Day three on the cruise.”
“Sunsets are amazing in Hawaii.”
Translation:
“Our house has been empty for seventy two hours.”
Your Vacation Photos Will Still Be Amazing Next Week
The ocean will still be blue.
The sunset will still look beautiful.
Your selfie holding a giant frozen drink will not lose its artistic value by waiting until you get home.
Your followers will survive.
In fact, posting after you return has a bonus.
Nobody can tell whether you are still relaxing on the beach or sitting on your couch eating leftover pizza while pretending to still be in paradise.
That little bit of mystery is good for your home security.
Don’t Forget About the Comments
Even if your original post is vague, your friends might accidentally give away everything.
Friend number one:
“Have a great two week vacation.”
Friend number two:
“I will water your plants while you’re gone.”
Friend number three:
“I hope your house sitter remembered the garage door code.”
Thanks, everyone.
Really helpful.
Burglars Love Easy Opportunities
Most criminals are looking for easy targets.
A home that appears occupied is usually less attractive than one the owner publicly announced would be empty for a week.
Posting vacation updates in real time removes the guesswork.
There is no need for criminals to wonder whether someone might come home early.
You already posted that your return flight is next Friday.
Want to Share Your Trip? Here’s a Better Plan
Take all the photos you want.
Record the videos.
Capture every meal, mountain, beach, and embarrassing souvenir purchase.
Then enjoy your vacation.
When you return home and unpack your bags, post your vacation album and let everyone know what a great time you HAD.
Your memories stay intact.
Your friends still get to enjoy the pictures.
And criminals never received a free notification that your house was empty.
Final Thought
If you absolutely must announce your vacation in real time, at least be prepared for your neighbors to jokingly comment:
“Thanks for letting everyone know.”
The smartest security tip may also be the easiest.
Keep your travel plans off social media until you are safely back home.
Your followers can wait.
Your belongings would probably appreciate it.