Twitter and online security

Somebody on Twitter reported that they got burgled after telling Twitter they were away.

It's an obvious security risk if the house is empty. And if you've left a frail granny alone she could be scared by prowlers and call the police and save you from burgled but give herself a nasty turn.

Maybe the Twittery Twitters would have got burgled anyway because they give out security information like that to everybody they meet, shout it to neighbours on the doorstep, tell the postman, the milk delivery man, the friends and eavesdroppers at the pub, leave a notice on their door. Nobody needs to know the exact dates of your trip.

If you are investigating a country for a forthcoming holiday, you don't have to say I'm going there tomorrow, you could say, I'm trying to decide whether winter or summer is best for a trip, to advise a friend who might go there one year. You don't have to say I got home (giving your location) - if you have two homes. Remember the saying, even the walls have ears.

So, what's the solution?

When away, give your phone to trusted neighbours so they answer.

If your trip's long, scatter valuables in locked boxes or suitcases amongst relatives. Not left lying in their hall, but somewhere safe. Hidden. Locked. Disguised.

Get 2-3 trusted relatives to house-sit. If it's granny and children make sure able-bodied neighbours watch the property checking sitters are safe.

My area's Neighbourhood Watch has pensioners walking dogs.

If you forget and twitter your travels, mention your house-sitters.

Once when I was away I had 11 people in my house - including my parents, my son, three of his friends (all martial arts experts staying over) and neighbours making tea for everybody. My trusted gardener painted the fence. I phoned each person twice a day checking who was there. They were all keeping an eye on each other.

We also do house-swap with families and get the neighbours to pop in and help them. Everybody loves it. The neighbours make new friends. The visitors feel really looked after. The family don't miss us. They are too busy telling the newcomers how to operate the heating and the appliances.

Twitter non-location items such as favourite books and records.

Even living at home don't twitter forthcoming movements like 'just off to the shops'. Nobody except your mother or children wants to know that you've been shopping or made yourself a cup of coffee. I certainly don't want to know that a dozen people have been shopping or made coffee. Even a world class celebrity.

Nor do I need to know about my own family. (Unless they are overdosing on coffee or drink. ) Your close family only want to know you went shopping or drank coffee if it affects them with an implied message - such 'as don't come home yet', or 'come home now'. If so, you are better texting individuals.

If paranoid or careful, check criminal records of twitter twins.

Be 'friends' only with identifiable people showing face photos. If you are in contact with faceless people, you should not reveal any details about yourself and your movements.

Save overseas reports; put them online the week after you get back. As a travel writer I have always done this because when travelling I'm usually too busy to check facts and only reorganize and edit after I get home.