Millions of dollars' worth of precious stones were stolen from a New York museum in what became known as the "jewel heist of the century" on October 29, 1964.

But despite the incredible value of the gems stolen, the heist was notable for both how easily it was pulled off, and how quickly the thieves were caught.

On display at the American Museum of Natural History were a series of impressive gems.

That included a 563-carat sapphire the size of a golf ball, known as the Star of India.

And among the museum visitors was champion surfer Jack Murphy, better known as Murph the Surf.

Murphy was struck by the jewels, but also by the extraordinarily lax security at the museum.

Not only was the burglar alarm not functional, but the museum would leave its windows ajar at night to allow air to f

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