Industry Analysts Divided On Any Link Between Increasing Foreclosures & Arson

A recent story in MSN Moneycentral explores the possibility of a link between the increase in home foreclosures and the increase in arson.

• [A]cross the U.S., homeowners are searching for ways to escape from mortgages they can't pay -- or don't want to. A few are turning to arson, but it's too soon to turn anecdotes into meaningful statistics. Consumer pressure and state laws require speedy settlements, which means insurance companies are quick to pay up and slower to complete complex arson investigations. Definitive answers will come later.

For more, see Broke homeowners linked to arsons (Authorities in economically stressed cities see an increase in torched houses. Is the nation's mortgage mess transforming more Americans into criminals?)

For other stories on fires & foreclosures, go here , go here , and go here. foreclosure arson xerox