Don't advertise your home to thieves

For several years, UK householders have been updating their Facebook status and tweeting their every move.  Now there is an even more accurate way to tell all your ‘friends' where you are. Facebook Places pinpoints your exact location.  Churchill home insurance warns this could drive an increase in house burglaries.

Claire Foster, spokesperson for Churchill home insurance, comments: "Our customers are covered whether they tell people where they are or not.  However, common sense dictates that you should avoid advertising to opportunistic thieves where you are.  To return home and discover you have been broken into is an awful experience for anyone to endure.

"Thankfully most items can be covered by home insurance. However, some items, especially those of particular sentimental value, could well be irreplaceable making home security measures of even greater importance. Almost one in five households have had family heirlooms stolen whilst they were away from their home and over one in four were emotionally attached to the items claiming they had held great memories."