Rick Sadler, Michigan State University (IMAGE) Michigan State University Caption Michigan State University researcher and urban geographer Rick Sadler has found in a new, more comprehensive study that maintaining the yards of vacant properties can help reduce crime rates in urban neighborhoods. Credit Harley J. Seeley Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.