Safeguard Launches Door-Hanger Initiative

Safeguard Properties Inc., a Brooklyn Heights, Ohio-based field services company, has introduced an initiative designed to reduce the risk of criminal activity at properties left vacant due to foreclosure.

The company proposes that a door hanger be left at properties adjacent to a vacant and secured property.  The door hanger will provide an 800 number that will enable neighbors to contact Safeguard 24/7 if they see any questionable activity or maintenance issue that needs to be addressed.

Servicers and local governments are partners in fighting blight, maintaining safe neighborhoods and ensuring properties are maintained, says Safeguard, but the correlation between vacant properties and criminal activity is well documented in communities nationwide.

As foreclosures and vacancies mount, the company has seen a material increase in the number of copper-pipe thefts, arsons and related crimes at these vacant properties.  This ripple effect drastically reduces the servicer’s collateral in its assets and wreaks havoc on the communities where the properties exist.

This door-hanger approach has received enthusiastic endorsement from code enforcement and city officials, Safeguard adds.