OAKLAND, Calif. — Authorities are investigating the theft of over 1,000 items from the Oakland Museum of California. The burglary took place in the early morning hours of October 15 at an off-site storage facility. The stolen items include metalwork jewelry, Native American baskets, and various historical memorabilia, such as athletic trophies and campaign pins.

Lori Fogarty, the museum's director, announced the investigation to the public, emphasizing that the loss extends beyond the museum. "They’re not just a loss to the museum," she said. "They’re a loss to the public, to our community, and we’re hoping our community can help us bring them home."

Fogarty described the incident as a crime of opportunity rather than a targeted art theft. She stated, "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."

Among the stolen items are neckpieces created by the late artist and metalsmith Florence Resnikoff, a pair of scrimshaw walrus tusks, and various Native American baskets. Much of the collection consists of 20th-century memorabilia, including campaign pins and athletic awards.

The Oakland Museum of California aims to document the art, history, and natural environment of California. Its extensive collection features over 90,000 works by California artists, as well as artifacts, photographs, and sound recordings. The museum has previously hosted exhibitions focused on significant movements, including the Black Power movement and student activism.

John Romero, a retired captain from the Los Angeles Police Department, noted that the stolen items may already be on the market. He suggested that detectives are likely monitoring resale platforms like Craigslist and eBay, as well as networks that deal in historic or collectible antiques. "These people are interested in fast cash, not the full appraisal value," he explained. "They need to get rid of it quickly."

This incident is reminiscent of a previous burglary in January 2013, when an Oakland man stole a California Gold Rush-era jewelry box from the museum. That item was later traced to a pawn shop with assistance from the public. Fogarty expressed hope that the community would assist again in recovering the stolen artifacts.

The Oakland Police Department is collaborating with a specialized unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation that focuses on art crime, including theft and trafficking of cultural property. The recent theft occurred just days before another high-profile art heist at the Louvre, where thieves stole priceless Napoleonic jewels. While arrests have been made in that case, the jewels remain missing.

Anyone with information about the stolen items is encouraged to contact the Oakland Police Department at (510) 238-3951 or submit a tip to the Art Crime Team online or by calling (800) 225-5324.