By Josh Simeone                                                                                                  J.Simeone@krdo.com

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EL PASO COUNTY - Rising foreclosure numbers in Colorado are creating fresh challenges for existing homeowners in ensuring their neighborhoods remain safe.

New third quarter numbers hit record highs in Colorado with 12,468 filings, 18% higher than at this point last year.

In El Paso County, the numbers aren't much better, with 4,540 foreclosure filings thus far in 2009. According to the El Paso County Public Trustee, the year-to-date numbers are higher than what they were at this point last year, when 3,849 homes foreclosed.

For current homeowners, foreclosures are making it harder to insure that vacant homes don't open the door for crime.

In one Old Colorado City neighborhood in Colorado Springs, neighbors worry about an abandoned home that's been in the neighborhood for years. Neighbors aren't sure if it was foreclosed on or just or abandoned by its owners. Regardless, they worry about it attracting criminals.

Neighbors try to keep an eye on it as much as possible to make sure it's at least getting some attention.

Colorado Springs Police say the best thing neighbors can do to protect foreclosed or abandoned homes is to keep an eye on them through a neighborhood watch program.

For more information on finding one or setting up one in your neighborhood, click here, to be taken to the Colorado Springs Police Department website.

If you live outside of the city, click here to be taken to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office website for more information about how you can help your neighborhood.