Don't put holiday plans online - ABI

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The Association of British Insurers has urged people not to reveal holiday details on social networking sites, as it makes their homes easy targets for burglars.

Around 40% of people who use sites such as Facebook and Twitter reveal their holiday plans according to research, while one in three also post details of weekend breaks.

But the group said home insurance cover is set to increase by as much as 10% as a result.

The ABI said burglars are increasingly monitoring the social networking sites to find out when people are away from their homes.

A spokesman said: "It is advisable not to put information on a public website that could leave your home or belongings vulnerable, such as letting lots of people know when you are going to be away on holiday.

"What is important is that you take reasonable steps to make sure your property is secure and that you comply with any minimum security requirements that may be in your insurance policy."

Figures released by the body show that one in 10 homeowners makes an insurance claim every year.

In 2008, £4.8 billion was paid out in property-related claims.

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