An interesting survey carried out by a British insurance firm has found that burglars are turning to Facebook to learn more about their potential targets. When we say targets, we mean you.

Apparently burglars are increasingly relying on Facebook status posts to learn whether a home is vacant or not, so it might be a good idea to think twice before boasting about your upcoming trip to the Maldives.

The survey was carried out on 50 former burglars who noted that people also leave other useful personal information on Facebook, such as mobile phone numbers. Obviously, burglars can just dial the number and if they get an international ring tone, they are in business.

Interestingly, some 86 percent of these tech savvy burglars can be stopped by a relatively low tech dog. However, if you take off on holiday and leave your poor pooch alone for a few days, don’t be surprised if you end up with a few bite marks when you get back.

More here.