Captain Urges Caution Regarding Social Media Photos

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, SPD Captain Tom Ringley urged the community not to post vacation photos on social media until they have returned home.

Although there is no official data showing how many homes are burglarized due to vacation posts, a study conducted by the Department of Justice found that criminals do patrol social media looking for ways to exploit personal information for financial gain. According to the study, burglars can review online posts from families in their vicinity to determine when homes may be unoccupied.

Ringley recommends waiting to share photos until you are safely home to reduce your risk.

Capt. T. Ringley

Ringley added that posting photos of expensive items received as Christmas gifts can also put a home at risk. Many residents may not consider what is visible in the background of a picture, but criminals are paying attention.

Capt. T. Ringley

Other tips recommended by law enforcement include asking a neighbor to bring in your newspaper, stopping your mail to prevent your mailbox from filling up, using timers on lights or the television to make your home appear occupied, and keeping all valuables out of sight.