Big landowning groups like the National Trust for Scotland and the John Muir Trust have closed their properties to the public.

BBC: Countryside talks over disease

The Northland Road was closed and a number of properties evacuated while Army bomb experts examined the scene.

BBC: Arrests on Northland Road, Derry, as weapons seized

Birkenhead's Central Library is on the list of properties to be closed.

BBC: Families march over library plans

To make matters worse, the real estate market crumbled, greatly reducing the value of the big box stores that are the hallmark of both Kmart and Sears. (Sears has sold some assets this year, and still lists 88 properties for sale and lease in closed buildings.) Lampert has always been capricious pushing out his chief executives, changing how much control he personally wields.

FORBES: Lampert Is Now Sears CEO--Another Odd Power Shift For The Brash Billionaire

Police said a total of 16 bridges and at least 25 roads were closed, including Greta Bridge in Kewsick where businesses and properties were evacuated to allow the structure to be checked.

BBC: Cumbria flood bridges facing safety checks

Since then, however, the audit office has closed the investigation into Mr Aleman, despite much publicity for his acquisition of properties, on the ground that presidential immunity from arrest makes any investigation futile.

ECONOMIST: Nicaragua

After the deals closed, the Bostons, along with other investors, had to pony up more money when one of the properties became entangled in lawsuits.

WSJ: The Intelligent Investor: Dangerous Real-Estate Deals