Dear Editor:
After the winter we’ve endured, no one could blame a person for being excited to escape the snow, ice, wind and cold for a warmer climate.
We can’t even hold against you the fact that you are going to take some photos of the crystal blue pool at your resort that overlooks one of the most spectacular ocean vistas. We can see the gorgeous sunset now.
You know what we are going to have a problem with? That you post that photo to social media.
It’s not because we can’t bear the fact that while you liberally applying sunscreen, we are looking for ways to prevent windburn. It’s because if you post photos of your trip while you are away, you are putting a big sign on your house that says “I’m not home, and won’t be for a while!”
Perhaps you don’t think that’s a big deal? Tell that to the family whose kids posted photos of their vacation and came home to a house that was ground zero for a massive, and rather destructive, party. The “friends” knew the house was empty and things got out of hand.
As most people don’t have nearly secure enough social media platforms, it’s not only friends that can see those photos. Friends of friends of friends, who are in no way your friends, can see that you are in another country and take a leisurely stroll through your house – leaving with your valuables.
Saving those vacation posts until you return not only greatly reduces your chance of a break and enter at your home, but also allows you to fully disconnect while you are away. Don’t we all need that? Relive the amazing sunsets and spectacular flowers with your friends when you get back. It will make it feel like you are on vacation all over again!
How about another tip for March break travel? Check in with your neighbours and ask them to keep an eye on your property while you are away. A cleared driveway and collected recycling bins or flyers go a long way to ensuring your property looks like you are always home. Offer to return the favour for them as well.
Keeping your street crime-free benefits everyone and is easy when you work together. Bon Voyage!
Sarah Bowers-Peter,
Program coordinator, Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington