"I have spoken many times with Jeff Greene, " said Cecilia Blackstock, an administrative assistant who fielded Greene's calls at LRA Property and LB Property, in a declaration.

FORBES: Legal

However, CBI Scotland Assistant Director David Lonsdale described the increase in empty property rates as "bewildering and disappointing" and "wholly at odds with Scottish government promises to promote private sector investment".

BBC: Empty shops

In early civilizations, women were also considered the property of men, said Laura Carpenter, assistant professor of sociology at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

CNN: What is virginity worth today?

There, officials worry about future property tax revenues and every vital service from law enforcement to food stamps is threatened, says assistant county administrator Dean Arabatzis.

NPR: Economy Hurts California's Cities