POLICY BRIEF: Furman Center Finds Concentrated Foreclosures Lead to Increase in Neighborhood Crime

Foreclosures affect not only individual homeowners, but also the crime levels of the surrounding neighborhood, according to a new report released by the Furman Center. The study found that neighborhoods with concentrated foreclosures see an uptick in crime for each foreclosure notice issued. These effects are pronounced in hardest hit neighborhoods; that is, those with concentrated foreclosures. The report suggests that policing and community stabilizing efforts should prioritize areas with concentrated foreclosures, especially those where crime rates are already moderate to high. See the press release or read the full report.