AUBURN - Someone helped himself or herself to a symbol of hospitality in city hall.

The Auburn Police Department is investigating the theft of two relics from the historical building during the past two months: a brass pineapple from the banister in the foyer and a giant teddy bear.

A maintenance worker reported the hand-carved pineapple missing from the handrail. It was taken between Tuesday, Nov. 13, through Thursday, Nov. 15. The building's foyer contains several depiction of the fruit because it signifies "welcome." Now, a metal screw sticks up through the banister, wrapped with masking tape.

The second object disappeared more than a week ago.

Accounting clerk Donna Lumb filed a report Dec. 28 morning when she discovered a oversized teddy bear was missing.

At the time, Bear was wearing Lumb's $60 Santa suit she hoped to keep in her family. She would dress the bear in different clothes according to holidays. Lumb inherited the job of dressing Bear, and would tie him to the chair to keep him upright. The person even took the felt tether, Lumb said.

"This isn't a casual thing, someone decided to do this," Lumb said, adding Bear was a hefty 25 pounds of stuffing.

Deputy Chief Thomas Murphy said it is highly probable the tan, furry toy was taken after the Auburn City Council Dec. 27 meeting.

For more, read Tuesday's edition of The Citizen.