Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/516237
28 bca a .com summer 2015 (top) West coast Surfer/maxxImages, iStock S ummer is traditionally the season when most burglaries occur, partly because hot weather means open windows, but also because so many homeowners leave town on vacation. Add to this a new online technique that thieves are using to pick targets, and now becomes a good time to review your home security. The latest wrinkle in property crime comes from the way in which some B&E artists are choosing their next victims. It used to be that thieves would wander the streets to case homes; today some of them surf the Net. "We have all heard the stories of individuals who have had their homes broken into because thieves found out on social media that their owners were away," says Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) spokesperson Aaron Sutherland. "IBC encourages homeowners not to announce their vacation plans in casual conversation, or in an email or on social media, because social media sites can reach a lot further than we expect. You don't want to be alerting potential thieves to your absence, and that includes the importance of waiting until you're home before posting vacation photos to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram." Home Alone Going away this summer? Be sure your home stays secure while you're gone BY rOB HOWATsON at home home security TIP! Ensure your insurance coverage is up to date before leaving on vacation. Learn more about BCAA Home Insurance and how to protect your home and belongings at bcaa.com/home. Plus, Members save up to 15%!