Status: We are out all day and the bedroom window is open

Tightening up the privacy settings on social networking accounts and remembering to close windows could prevent homes from being targeted by burglars.

A total of 78 per cent of reformed burglars told security experts Friedland, they believed Facebook and twitter are being used to target properties.

They also think Google Street View is responsible for playing a role in home thefts.

Friedland’s report found that the average burglary is completed in around ten minutes, with homes taking just two minutes to break into.

Leaving windows open, leaving valuables in view of passers by and announcing whereabouts on social networking sites were the top three tools to help burglars commit their crimes.