Police in California are investigating the theft of more than 1,000 historical items from the Oakland Museum of California’s collection — including metalwork jewelry, Native American baskets, and even athletic trophies that tell the story of the Golden State.
According to The Associated Press, the burglary took place in the early morning hours of Oct. 15 at an off-site storage facility belonging to the museum, Oakland Police said Wednesday.
Museum Director Lori Fogarty said Thursday that the investigation was going public in hopes that members of the community might spot the stolen items at flea markets, antique shops, or pawn stores.
“They’re not just a loss to the museum,” Fogarty said. “They’re a loss to the public, to our community and we’re hoping our community can help us bring them home.”
Fogarty said early indications show this was a crime of opportunity, not a sophisticated art heist.
“We think the thieves found a way to enter the building, and they grabbed what they could easily find and snatch and get out of the building with,” she explained.
Among the stolen items are neckpieces by the late artist Florence Resnikoff, a pair of scrimshaw walrus tusks, and Native American baskets. Much of what was taken, Fogarty said, consisted of historical memorabilia from the 20th century — including campaign pins and athletic awards.
The Oakland Museum of California’s mission is to document the art, history, and natural environment of California, housing everything from 18th-century artwork to artifacts, photographs, and sound recordings. The museum has also hosted exhibitions highlighting the Black Power movement and student activism in the state.
John Romero, a retired Los Angeles Police Department captain who led the commercial crimes unit, told the Los Angeles Times that detectives are likely monitoring online resale platforms such as Craigslist and eBay — along with antique dealer networks.
“These people are interested in fast cash, not the full appraisal value,” Romero said. “They need to get rid of it quickly.”
This isn’t the first time the museum has been targeted. In 2013, a thief stole a Gold Rush-era jewelry box from the museum itself. It was later recovered with help from the public — a success Fogarty hopes can be repeated.
The Oakland Police Department said it is working closely with the FBI’s Art Crime Team, which specializes in art theft and trafficking of cultural property.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Oakland Police at (510) 238-3951 or reach the FBI Art Crime Team online or by calling (800) 225-5324.
