Today’s technology easily allows us to keep our family and friends informed of our daily activities. With social sites like Facebook and Twitter, we can get real-time updates of what our friends are doing. Tweeters tweet real-time thoughts of sports games that they are at, or quick reviews of a movie as they watch it at the theater. How many times have you been on Twitter and read from a friend “I’m going to the movies tonight”, I’m inline to buy tickets, so excited!” It is nice that with the technology and Twitter that we can interact in real-time, even when we’re not at home or work. But who all is keeping track of your postings?

Criminals are turning to the Social Networking Sites to find out when someone will be away from home. Reported by KTLA News, was “LOS ANGELES — A group of teenagers accused of burglarizing the homes of Hollywood actors, including Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Audrina Patridge and Paris Hilton, tracked the stars using paparazzi photos and celebrity websites, according to Los Angeles police detectives. Police say the suspects used the information to determine the schedules and movements of the celebrities they are accused of burglarizing. They looked online for the times of award ceremonies, movie premieres and other events so they could plan the break-ins, detectives say.”

The news story did not mention Twitter, but if you are a criminal, what better place to track movements of your next potential victim. Most of us are guilty of posting our movement. “I’m going work now”, “going to Starbucks”, “off to a meeting.” In most cases no harm or wrong doing would probably occur. On the other hand, if you are the next target for a criminal, your providing an “open door” when your house will be unoccupied.

What should we do? After all, one of the main purposes of Twitter is tweeting our real-time “What are you doing” posts. The best measure of safety that we all can do, is use “common sense” on the information that we make available for anyone to see online.

1. Use common sense

2. Avoid revealing your exact location

3. Avoid disclosing the start or end time of a meeting or activity

4. Never reveal that your alone while away from home (Don’t – “I’m alone studying at JohnDoe Park”)

5. Pay attention to questions that you are asked. If someone online is asking for to much information, that should raise a red-flag.

6. When not at home, leave an inside light on and a radio or TV. (If your tweeting that your going out)

7. Use caution when posting pictures that you share on Twitter. That big flat screen and surround sound or the china cabinet might looking tempting in the background.

8. Do not brag about the expensive jewelry or items that you may have in your home.

9. Keep your personal information brief. (profile/background)

10. Never reveal your daily schedule (school/work hours)

RAC Services uses Twitter, but we are not Safety Experts. This article is only for thought and our suggestions. RAC Services is not employed or affiliated with Twitter.

If you have any safety tips that you would like to share, please add them in the “Comments” below.