U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Presentation — Foreclosure and Crime
NIJ Foreclosures and Crime Meeting, March 31 - April 1, 2009
A Disorganization Approach
Description of graphic:This flow chart shows a theoretical model of how foreclosures can lead to a socially disorganized neighborhood. It begins with a foreclosure, where a resident (an actor) is removed from the property. The immediate impact is there are fewer owner-occupants and residents in the neighborhood, weakening social ties between neighbors. By lessening the social integration of a neighborhood, the ability and willingness of remaining residents to intervene on criminal activity is subsequently reduced. This reduction of social control allows all types of crime to operate at a high rate than normal because the communal consequences for such acts are alleviated. As crime levels increase within a neighborhood, property values can lessen, creating greater opportunity for delinquent mortgages and subsequent foreclosures.
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