Over 1,000 Artifacts Stolen from California Museum Storage Facility
More than 1,000 artifacts—including metal jewelry, handmade Native American baskets, and items symbolic of the ‘Golden State’s’ history—have been stolen from a storage facility belonging to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA).
The Oakland Police Department announced on Wednesday that the theft occurred in the early hours of October 15th from a building located near the museum.
Priceless History Dumped for Quick Cash
Lori Fogarty, the museum’s director, stated yesterday (Thursday, October 30th) that the items could surface in flea markets, antique stores, or pawn shops, which is why the incident was made public.
Fogarty said: “This theft is not just a loss for the museum; these items belong to the public, to our community. We hope our community will help us get them back.”
Fogarty believes this was likely a crime of opportunity, rather than a targeted theft for specific artwork. She speculated that the thieves “found a way to get into the building and left with what they could easily carry out.”
The stolen items include:
• A nose ring created by the late artist, educator, and metalsmith Florence Resnikoff.
• A pair of carved elephant tusks.
• Native American handmade baskets.
• Numerous early 20th-century historical memorabilia, such as campaign pins and various trophies.
The Role of the Community and Police Action
The Oakland Museum of California is dedicated to preserving and showcasing information about California’s art, history, and natural environment. Its collection spans from the late 18th century to the present, including artifacts, photographs, natural specimens, and recordings covering diverse topics like the Black Power Movement.
John Romero, a retired Los Angeles Police Department Captain, told the Los Angeles Times that because the theft occurred two weeks ago, the items may have already been sold. He advised that detectives should monitor platforms where vintage or antique goods are sold.
Romero commented: “These thieves will be looking for quick cash. They won’t value the historical significance of these items. So they will sell them as quickly as possible.”
Fogarty is hopeful, noting that a similar incident occurred in January 2013 when a gold jewelry box from the state’s ‘Gold Rush’ era was stolen. That item was recovered in an antique shop with the help of the local community.
The Oakland Police Department is currently working with a unit from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) but declined to provide further details in their public statement.
Global Trend in Museum Thefts
This California theft occurred just four days before a high-value jewelry theft took place in broad daylight at the Louvre Museum in Paris. While local French authorities arrested several suspects in that case, the jewelry has yet to be recovered.
