Have you ever posted a Facebook message announcing that you're going on holidays? Have you tweeted a picture of a new gadget? Could these innocuous activities possibly be providing thieves with all the information they're looking for?

Opportunistic criminals have often been known to scan obituary announcements to identify temporarily vacant homes, as well as taking advantage of holiday periods like Christmas. But now, as we share more personal information online, some people might be drawing unwanted attention to themselves on a regular basis without realising it.

British actress Helen Flanagan is reported to have been robbed and briefly held hostage after announcing on Twitter that her boyfriend was away. TV3 presenter Alan Hughes has also claimed thieves learned of his holiday plans via social network.

In the case of the 'Bling Ring', a group of LA teenagers monitored gossip sites and other online sources to find out when Hollywood celebrities were away. The teens were ultimately responsible for thefts worth over $3 million (approximately €2.3 million). Sofia Coppola's film based on the group's activity is due in Irish cinemas next week.

While the victims in these examples were all well-known individuals already in the public-eye, members of the general public could also be putting themselves on burglars' radars through information shared online.

Distinctive Doors have put together an infographic detailing how thieves might be monitoring your data, and the simple steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your property from unwanted attention: