Police probe suspected thefts at Silverdome

Mike Martindale / The Detroit News

Pontiac -- City officials hope to use a videotape to determine if anything was removed without permission from inside the shuttered Pontiac Silverdome within recent weeks.

Sandy-Michael McDonald, executive director of the Pontiac Downtown Development Authority, said a city worker spent five hours in June at the facility videotaping "every single room, every floor, every area, inside and out."

"The videotape will show what was there and they can match that up to inventory sheets of what's been removed by departments -- or others," said McDonald, who was involved in authorized plans to move some items to other departments before the Silverdome's sealed-bid auction next week.

Pontiac Emergency Financial Manager Fred Leeb has asked Pontiac Police and the Michigan State Police to investigate the suspected unauthorized removal of property from the one-time home of the Detroit Lions and Pistons.

While Leeb gave permission for some removals, such as computers and memorabilia, he also noticed disruptions in areas of the 80,300-seat facility on a recent tour. He declined to elaborate but if theft occurred, he wants those responsible prosecuted.

"There have been items removed without permission," said Leeb, who said the value was "not in the thousands of dollars."

"The structure, integrity and operation of the facility are not affected, but it's disturbing," said Leeb, who stressed the probe is being done in a business-like manner.

Pontiac Police Chief Val Gross said areas appear vandalized and investigators are questioning everyone from "security to city workers."

Leeb said it will not affect the auction of the venue, opened in 1975 at a cost of $55.7 million. It has hosted events ranging from Elvis Presley to the pope.

But the Pistons moved out in 1988 and the Lions followed in 2002. Since then, it's largely sat dark and empty, with upkeep of $1.5 million a year. Financially strapped Pontiac is eager to get its marquee property back on the tax rolls.

Serious bidders must submit sealed bids along with a refundable $250,000 cashier's check to Williams & Williams, the Tulsa, Okla.-based auctioneer, through 4 p.m. Nov. 12, when the city can declare the high bidder the winner and end the auction.

The city can also invite up to five high bidders to a live "best and final" auction at 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Marriott Hotel in Pontiac, said Amanda Viles, an auction spokeswoman.

mmartindale@detnews.com (248) 338-0319