What can I do about a nuisance property?

[Kevin C.]

There’s an empty lot by one of my properties that has a bunch of crap on it and it keeps getting broken into and the alarm goes off at all times of the night and disturbs the people in the neighborhood. The owners refuse to do anything and the cops say they can’t.

Another property that's bank owned and has a bunch of crap on it and people squatting in it who are of course very suspect in their activities. Cops have been there multiple times and again say they can’t do anything?

Is there anything I can do to get these disturbances eliminated? 

[Aaron K.]

@Kevin C. try code enforcement, the city loves that sweet code violation money and it provides a strong incentive for the owner and/or occupant to get things into shape.