A north-east based installer is reminding property owners to be cautious when it comes to social media and home security. The Sunderland firm points to research by Legal and General suggesting that 84 per cent of 18 to 35 year olds share photos and information on Social Media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, that could put their possessions and homes at risk from ‘digital’ criminals.
General Manager of Hadrian Technology, Gary Trotter, recommends that property owners take care when using social media. He says: “People often forget that just about anyone can view images, status updates and tweets online. I always worry when I see people publicising that they’re going on holiday. Is it really wise to announce when you’re leaving your house unoccupied to users of a global network? All it takes is one online view from a thief, or a tip off from an accomplice, and they will know exactly what you have in your home, and how long they have to access it. If you’re checking-in to tell your online followers where you are, you are practically inviting thieves into your home.”
Research carried out by T-mobile in a 2012 survey showed that four in ten Britons log on to Facebook and Twitter at least once a day whilst abroad, and that three in ten people say they would deliberately write a boastful holiday status to make people at home envious.
Gary is advising home owners to re-assess their security measures to make sure they aren’t vulnerable to burglars. He says: “It is wise to take plenty of home security precautions, particularly if you spend a significant amount of time away from home. CCTV systems can help home and business owners relax whilst they are away.”
Hadrian adds that its products link High Definition CCTV cameras from the Concept Pro range – to mobile devices or home computers using its V-HDR app.
The technology can list any ‘events’ such as disturbances or break-ins, by date and time, which can be easily accessed through the app, and provide alerts via email, if there is movement in a particular area of a building or grounds. The viewer can then view footage – live or recorded – to check to see if there is a genuine problem or a false alarm and act accordingly.
Gary adds: “if you’re leaving your property unoccupied make sure any valuables are kept in areas that are not visible from a window or door. It’s important you make sure the outside of your house is secure including fences, windows and door locks. Having sensor lighting fitted to the front and back of your property not only helps you gain entry into your home during dark evenings, but also acts as a deterrent to potential thieves.”
