Boomers tough on security

Almost nine in 10 (86%) Australian residents believe posting their whereabouts on social media websites presents a threat to home security, according to alarming new research findings announced last week by ADT Security.

Conducted in January this year, the second annual Secure Homes report surveyed 2,000 homeowners and renters in both metropolitan and regional Australia.

Among the other key findings, 30% of respondents report they have been the victim of a break-in, with 8% experiencing a break-in in the past year.

The impact of social media has attracted significant attention over the past year, with increased reports of opportunistic crime occurring due to information posted online.

“Savvy criminals are gaining access to up-to-the-minute details through peoples’ status updates and posts, allowing them to learn when the home is likely to be vacant. While sharing information with your online network is fun, it’s important to think twice before updating your Facebook status, tweeting or checking into foursquare,” Michael Bates, national residential manager at ADT Security, says.

The survey revealed some interesting generational differences in home security.  In the event of a break-in, Baby Boomers are reportedly more concerned about identity fraud than other generations, with 62% identifying it as their primary concern. Comparatively, less than half of Generation Y respondents cited this as a concern (48%). 

Younger people were more likely to admit suffering emotional distress after falling victim to crime, with 51% of Gen Y respondents experiencing anxiety and stress, as well as other health impacts such as sleeping difficulties (32%), an inability to be at home alone (26%) and reduced levels of trust (50%).

While often thought to be more easily rattled by home invasion, older generations reported significantly less incidence of emotional side-effects: anxiety and stress (Gen X 38%, Boomers 28%), sleeping difficulties (22%, 11%), an inability to be at home alone (9%, 3%), reduced levels of trust (32%, 39%).

When asked what they would be most upset about losing in the event of a break-in, Gen Y respondents showed greater concern for their personal computer/laptop (72%) than personal records (68%), cash (43%) or a camera (35%).  Boomers and Gen X reported the loss of personal records as their greatest concern, rather than big ticket items such as jewellery, cash and home theatre equipment.

How old are you and are you concerned about home security? Share your thoughts on this latest study by commenting in the box below.