Las Vegas Foreclosed Homes Have Unintended Criminal Uses

All across the country the large number of seized homes that couldn't be saved by foreclosure attorneys sit empty. These empty homes not only devalue neighboring homes, but they also present an opportunity for vandalism and other crimes.

Police in Las Vegas have noted that foreclosed homes that are scooped up at discounted prices are now being used in criminal enterprises, most notably they are being turned into marijuana grow houses.

Most recently, a mother Frederica Ballard and her two sons were busted by Vegas police for using a foreclosed home she purchased cheaply to use as a marijuana grow house. They found over 61 pot plants in the home.

Because people and their foreclosure lawyer have not been able to avert eviction Las Vegas has seen a rise in marijuana grow houses. According to the LA Times, Vegas police found over 130 grow houses in the past year, that’s two dozen more than in 2010.

These empty homes represent an opportunity for criminal enterprise, in addition to the marijuana, authorities have found caches of firearms in the grow houses. Hydroponic marijuana has four times the value of what is imported from Mexico.

It is common knowledge that a foreclosed home devalues adjacent homes, but they now have the unintended consequence of encouraging criminal enterprise. Not only can seeking the advice of a foreclosure attorney keep a person in their home, but it can also combat the potential for increased criminal activity in a neighborhood.