OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Police in California are investigating the theft of more than 1,000 items from a museum’s collection including metalwork jewelry, Native American baskets and everyday items like athletic trophies that tell the story of the Golden State.
The burglary occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 15 at an off-site storage facility of the Oakland Museum of California, Oakland Police said in a news release Wednesday.
Lori Fogarty, the museum’s director, said Thursday the investigation was going public because the artifacts might show up at flea markets, antique stores or pawn shops. “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 noted that the theft seemed to be a crime of opportunity, stating, “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.”
Stolen items include neckpieces by the late artist and metalsmith Florence Resnikoff, a pair of scrimshaw walrus tusks and Native American baskets. Much of the collection was comprised of historical memorabilia from the 20th century such as campaign pins and athletic awards, Fogarty noted.
John Romero, a retired Los Angeles Police Department captain who once led the department’s commercial crimes unit, said the items may already have been sold since the burglary occurred two weeks ago. He expects detectives are looking at resale platforms such as Craigslist and eBay, and networks that specialize in historic or collectible antiques. “These people are interested in fast cash, not the full appraisal value,” he told the Times. “They need to get rid of it quickly.”
The mission of the Oakland Museum of California is to document the art, history, and natural environment of California, and its collection includes works by California artists from the late 18th century to the present, as well as artifacts, photographs, natural specimens, and sound recordings. The museum has mounted shows dedicated to the Black Power movement and student activism.
The Oakland Police Department declined to comment further but confirmed they are working with the FBI's Art Crime Team on the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oakland police or submit tips through the FBI's online tip line.}
The burglary occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 15 at an off-site storage facility of the Oakland Museum of California, Oakland Police said in a news release Wednesday.
Lori Fogarty, the museum’s director, said Thursday the investigation was going public because the artifacts might show up at flea markets, antique stores or pawn shops. “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 noted that the theft seemed to be a crime of opportunity, stating, “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.”
Stolen items include neckpieces by the late artist and metalsmith Florence Resnikoff, a pair of scrimshaw walrus tusks and Native American baskets. Much of the collection was comprised of historical memorabilia from the 20th century such as campaign pins and athletic awards, Fogarty noted.
John Romero, a retired Los Angeles Police Department captain who once led the department’s commercial crimes unit, said the items may already have been sold since the burglary occurred two weeks ago. He expects detectives are looking at resale platforms such as Craigslist and eBay, and networks that specialize in historic or collectible antiques. “These people are interested in fast cash, not the full appraisal value,” he told the Times. “They need to get rid of it quickly.”
The mission of the Oakland Museum of California is to document the art, history, and natural environment of California, and its collection includes works by California artists from the late 18th century to the present, as well as artifacts, photographs, natural specimens, and sound recordings. The museum has mounted shows dedicated to the Black Power movement and student activism.
The Oakland Police Department declined to comment further but confirmed they are working with the FBI's Art Crime Team on the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oakland police or submit tips through the FBI's online tip line.}
