ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

                                                        Date: March 4, 1996
                                                        Dept. File No. 103 


   TO:       Vancouver City Council

   FROM:     Manager of Building Management

   SUBJECT:  Damage and Thefts from Automobiles Parked Around
             City Hall and in Staff Parking Lots


   INFORMATION

        The General Manager of  Corporate Services submits this  report for
        INFORMATION.


   SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

   This  report provides  a response  to a  Council member's request  for a
   report back on security issues at City Hall.


   DISCUSSION

   A  review of Vancouver Police  Department data and  our Security records
   indicate that  although several  recent incidents have  raised concerns,
   generally the City Hall vicinity is a low crime area.  Chief Constable's
   memo is attached for reference.

   The block,  on which  City Hall is  located, has recorded  eight vehicle
   related crimes in the last twelve months.  This compares favourably with
   other areas in close proximity to City Hall.  

   One nearby hospitality  business has recorded  over seventy thefts  from
   autos during the same period.   Another major business four  blocks away
   on  West Broadway  has recorded  over a  hundred.   These  incidents are
   happening, even though  the businesses are  taking reasonable steps  and
   security  measures to  protect  their guests  and  their vehicles.    It
   appears that  the City  Hall vicinity is  an area  with a  low level  of
   criminal  activity  when  data   on  stolen  autos,  thefts,  suspicious
   circumstances and persons, attempted theft, threats, mischiefs, etc. are
   reviewed.    This can  be partly  attributed to  the  level of  care and
   preventative  measures the City staff take when they park their vehicles
   in City parking facilities and in the vicinity.  
   Staff are reminded  with posters  and notices about  safer practices  in
   deterring crime.   The City Hall  parking facilities are  patrolled at a
   reasonable level.   Security  routinely checks  the  vehicles and  warns
   drivers about  leaving valuable objects  in view.   On occasion,  when a
   situation  is  observed  to be  remiss  in  taking reasonable  measures,
   Security contacts the  driver, and  assists in securing  the object  and
   even removing it for safekeeping.  

   Although  no  level  of  theft  and  damage  can  be  considered  to  be
   acceptable,  it appears that the  efforts are having  a positive effect.
   Security  will continue to monitor the incidents and near-misses so that
   our response is at an appropriate level.

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