Thefts at City Hall Spur Lindsay’s Call for Tighter Security

Stung by a recent rash of thefts from his City Hall office, Los Angeles City Councilman Gilbert Lindsay called Friday for additional security officers and increased patrols to counter what he described as a spiraling theft problem in municipal buildings.

Lindsay, who is chairman of the Public Works Committee that will review the proposal, asked his council colleagues to consider adding eight security officers to the Department of General Services as a deterrent against thefts that have plagued City Hall and other city-owned properties.

Lindsay said thieves had recently taken an electric typewriter from the desk of his appointments secretary and pilfered supplies from his council office. Intruders even broke into his private chambers where they uncorked a bottle of champagne Lindsay had stored, the councilman said.

The city’s security force has shrunk from 85 positions to 55 over the last seven years.