Home Burglaries in Dexter Serve as Warning for Facebook Users

Users of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are being warned by police to avoid posting vacation plans online following a across western Washtenaw County this summer.

"Be careful of what you post on these social networking sites," Derrick Jackson, a spokesman for the Washtenaw County Sheriff said. "We know for a fact that some people use these sites to identify their targets knowing a homeowner is out of town."

One such instance occurred in Dexter Township in July, when homeowners posted their vacation plans on Facebook. Upon their return, the home had been burglarized and several items, including jewelry, DVDs, and video games had been stolen. According to Sgt. Keith Flores, the suspects entered an unlocked front door.

"Would you walk into a crowd downtown, hold up a sign with your home address on it and announce 'I’m going on vacation for three days'?" Jackson said.

Here are some tips from State Farm Insurance to protect your home when traveling.

• Set timers on interior lights: This goes a long way in deterring burglars, who often look for crimes of opportunity. Don’t allow your house to appear as if no one is home.
• No status updates: Never broadcast your location on Facebook or Twitter. Even if you think that it’s only your friends or colleagues viewing your online profiles, it’s safest not to leave any sort of opening for a possible burglar.
• Lock all doors and windows: This is a no-brainer.
• Newspaper and mail: Stop mail and newspaper deliveries, or have them regularly picked up by a neighbor.