SANTA MONICA – Social media in today’s society is beyond massive. People frequent cafes just to get the perfect shot for Instagram, spend hours taking the perfect selfie, and go to events just for the pic. Social media influencers can make tens of thousands of dollars per post, often showing off an enviable life, and many people are obsessed with having the perfect online presence. Showing off the highlight reel of ones life has never been more relevant than now, however, there is a dangerous side to social media that many do not even realize. So, before posting your new Prada flats and Chanel bag next to a plane ticket with the caption Au Revior, off to France, you might want to think again!

In a new crime trend, robbers are using social media to stalk their victims and plan out their next heist. Posting lavish goods, cars, and extravagant photos of your home can put you on their radar. Posting about your tropical vacation, snap chatting your location in Bora Bora, or even posting that you are on way to a nice dinner can make you a target. You are essentially giving a robber all the information they need: one, that you have expensive items of value that they would want and two, exactly where you are and when your house will be empty.

From Keri McMullen in Indiana who posted on Facebook that she was going to a concert and subsequently her house was robbed, to mega star Kim Kardashian, who was robbed at gun point, more and more robberies and home invasions are being linked to social media.

Kim Kardashian has admitted that her social media made her a target. The alleged leader of the group who robbed her admitted to the French police that they planned out their entire robbery based solely off of her social media. Her expensive jewelry was posted on Instagram, and she was Snapchatting herself at home, they had everything they needed. Kim ended up taking a break from social media and now avoids posting expensive items or revealing too much about her current location.

While social media can be a fun way to share your life, it can also be a place where robbers wait in the shadows so exercise caution before posting your entire life story.

UPDATED JUNE 1, 2017 – SANTA MONICA – Today, criminal charges were officially filed against the two suspects in the May 26th home invasion. According to a press release from the Santa Monica PD, the charges filed against 24-year old Brian Noah Morgan included attempted murder, robbery, burglary, parole violation and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  The filed charges for the juvenile were for multiple felony counts including attempted murder, robbery, and Assault with a Deadly Weapon. 

After extensive investigation from the SMPD, the two suspects are now believed to be involved in another home invasion that happened on May 15th.  The invasion in question happened at about 3:00.  It was then that SMPD received a radio call about a home invasion robbery happening on the 500 block of 17th street. The arrived to the scene to find the resident had suffered from aggravated assault.  The resident was treated at the scene and then subsequently hospitalized.

MAY 31, 2017- This past Friday evening, just after 6 p.m., the police arrived to the 200 block of 19th street after receiving a radio call reporting a home invasion according to a press release from the Santa Monica Police Department.  It is unclear how the perpetrators gained access to the multi-million dollar residence, but the robbery soon turned violent.  It is unclear who exactly was in the home, but the father, Imtiaz Tar, and another victim were taken to the hospital for treatment.  The father was treated for serious stab wounds and the other victim received treatment for injuries endured by a blunt object.  ABC reported that a nearby resident, Kia Kohanzad said that the mother was also inside with “bloody hands, face, and she was screaming, ‘Pray for him,’ Kohanzad said. Family members told the media that the two victims are predicted to survive. 

Both suspects tried to flee the scene.  One suspect, a juvenile, was apprehended in the backyard of the house by SWAT officers and Police K-9, while the other one disappeared out of sight.  Later that same night, however, the Santa Monica Police updated their Twitter stating that the second suspect had been taken into custody. 

The first suspect is underage and has been booked for attempted homicide, conspiracy, robbery and parole violation.  The other suspect, 24 year old Brian Noah Morgan, has been booked for conspiracy, robbery and parole violation.  He is being held without bail.  Santa Monica PD recommends anyone with further information to contact Detective Goodwin (310) 458-8942, Detective Leone (310) 458-8949 or the Santa Monica Police Department (310)458-8491.

Videos by ABC and CBS.