Foreclosed homeowners steal appliances before moving out

Theft in foreclosed homes is on the rise, according to a report from NBC’s Kerry Sanders, who said that more disgruntled and broke homeowners across the country are selling off appliances and furnishings before the banks make them move. One woman in Miami-Dade County plans to sell every last item in her foreclosed home — including the stove and toilet — because she says she needs the money to pay bills. While this activity is illegal, Sanders said that many banks are having a hard time prosecuting offenders. But John Courson, CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, said that more cases could soon be prosecuted. “The more prevalent this becomes the more aggressive services are going to have to become to protect the property,” Courson said.