Jim McIsaac / Getty Images

The Yankees are playing their final games in the fabled stadium this week, and there have been about a dozen incidents where fans were caught trying to take a piece of the stadium. Patrons have unscrewed seats from their concrete moorings, pried the numbers off setbacks, the cover to a floor drain and even a toilet seat.

updated 9:16 p.m. ET Sept. 17, 2008

NEW YORK - Yankee Stadium is going, going — just not yet gone.

The Yankees are working with Major League Baseball, the New York Police Department, and federal and state agencies to ensure fans don't walk away with pieces of the 85-year-old ballpark during the final five regular-season games.

The enlarged security force, made up of plain-clothed and uniformed officers, rivals the details used during past postseasons in the Bronx, NYPD Sgt. Lenny Tobie said before the Yankees played the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

"Providing a safe and enjoyable stadium atmosphere is our top priority,'' Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo said. "With the cooperation and support of so many throughout the law enforcement community, the Yankees look forward to celebrating these historic games with their fans in the manner they and the building deserve.''

The Yankees are moving into a $1.3 billion ballpark across the street next season, and the team is negotiating a sale of memorabilia from the House that Ruth Built with New York City, which owns the stadium.

Sold-out crowds of more than 50,000 have been arriving earlier than usual to get a final glimpse at Monument Park during what is likely the final week of baseball at the stadium — the Yankees could be eliminated from playoff contention before Sunday's home finale.

There have been about a dozen incidents where fans were caught trying to take a piece of the stadium. Patrons have unscrewed seats from their concrete moorings, pried the numbers off setbacks, the cover to a floor drain and even a toilet seat, Tobie said.

During Tuesday night's game, the Yankees began running a public address announcement warning fans not to pilfer from the park:

"The Yankees are asking all fans to share in this memorable time in a respectful manner. Damaging the stadium and/or attempted theft of stadium property is a crime, and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.''

The Mets have begun a sale of items from Shea Stadium, which also is owned by the city and closing after the season.

More news

Tony Gutierrez / AP

More heroics from Hamilton

Josh Hamilton fights off illness to hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 13th inning, lifting the Texas Rangers to an 8-7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Angels win as Pujols HR streak up to 3 games

SEATTLE (AP) - Albert Pujols hit a home run in his third straight game and pinch hitter Alberto Callaspo came through with a grand slam in the sixth inning to give the Los Angeles Angels a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.

Headlines

• Label

Saltalamacchia's walkoff HR lifts Red Sox

Red Sox's Valentine calls out Rays' coaches

Teixeira hits 2 HRs as Yankees rout A's

HBT: Santana pitches first shutout in 2 years

Harper homers as Strasburg, Nats beat Braves

Buehrle, Marlins stay hot, beat Giants

Fielder's 4-hit game lifts Tigers over Twins

Fear of losing Montero leads D-backs to big deal