Foreclosure increase threatens neighborhoods

Brad Branan of The Fresno Bee found that the number of foreclosures in Fresno County increased 405 percent in 2007, with the brunt of the mortgage crisis impacting already vulnerable neighborhoods. According to the article, "Already there are signs that a torrent of foreclosures could trigger more crime and decay in the city's struggling core." Branan analyzed bank repossession data from RealtyTrac and merged the information with city code violation records. He discovered many of the vacant structures attract graffiti, squatters and other problems that can lead to more serious issues, such as lower property values and crime.