Las Vegas Firm Offers Security Services For Vacant Homes / Foreclosures Targeted By Squatters

In Las Vegas, Nevada, KLAS-TV Channel 8 reports:

• Firefighters still don't know what caused the fire at the old Alystra Casino in Henderson Tuesday night. Businesses in the area tell Eyewitness News it was a well known hang out for vagrants and teens. In fact, these squatters are blamed for destroying unoccupied properties and foreclosed homes across the valley. Now the business community sees a marketing opportunity to deal with the problem.

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• [John] Labaum is part of new business the popped up in the wake of the foreclosure crisis. He calls it Squatter Alert. "We go through -- secure the front doors, the garage doors," he said. Labaum's startup company offers security services for foreclosed homes and vacant properties. Instead of a fence or tape, the owners call up Labaum to drive by their properties and keep an eye on things.

For more, see Squatter Alert Seeks to Protect Businesses' Vacant Buildings.