The recent surge in foreclosures is leading to an increase in neighborhood crime, according to an article in the L.A. Times.

"Every time a neighborhood experiences 2.8 foreclosures out of 100 owner-occupied properties in a single year, crime there and in the surrounding blocks jumps 6.7%, according to a 2006 census tract study by the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Chicago-based Woodstock Institute. A related study by the same researchers concluded that homeowners lose 0.9% of their property value if they are within one-eighth of a mile from a conventionally foreclosed-on, single-family residence. A $500,000 home, for example, would drop $4,500."

The effects of this disturbing trend are being felt most notably in suburbs, where foreclosures rates are highest.

In response, some communities are taking steps, including fining homeowners who fail to maintain properties, to stem the blight.

Read the full story here.

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