Net warning

Householders are being warned to watch for cyber-savvy burglars using social networking sites to pick their victims.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Power from Christchurch said internet buffs could pass on information about whether their home was occupied through their profiles.

While there have been no known cases of Twitter-related burglary, private investigator Ron McQuilter, of Paragon New Zealand said it was "certainly feasible".

"I think these sites are so dangerous. If you don't protect your updates people can see what you are doing and where you are, it's fraught with danger," he said.

"If you can look at other people's sites, surely the criminals can."

McQuilter said people gave away too much information.

"I am guilty of it myself. I updated my status saying I was going to Whangarei. that means my wife might be at home alone, or we've gone together. It's dangerous."

Matrix Security branch manager Neil Grimstone said burglars already checked death notices and broke into homes during funerals. Using social networking sites was a "natural progression".

"If people are being foolish in their behaviour and signposting where they are, what they are doing and what their movements are ... the scumbags are going to get on the bandwagon and look for an opportunity," he said.

"It goes to show the lengths these mongrels go to to rip you off."