Burglarized Treasures: Over 1,000 Artifacts Stolen From Oakland Museum

Sat Nov 01 2025 13:24:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In an alarming theft, the Oakland Museum of California is investigating the disappearance of more than 1,000 items from its collection, including culturally significant artifacts and historical memorabilia.

Oakland Police are investigating a burglary at the Oakland Museum of California, where more than 1,000 items—ranging from jewelry and Native American baskets to historical memorabilia—were stolen. The theft occurred on October 15, and the museum hopes the community's assistance will help recover these treasures, which were intended to be shared with the public.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A significant theft at the Oakland Museum of California has left officials scrambling to locate over 1,000 stolen items, including metalwork jewelry, Native American artifacts, and various memorabilia that reflect the rich history of California.

The burglary took place in the early hours of October 15 at a storage facility. Museum director Lori Fogarty stated they went public with the investigation to increase the chances of recovery, as the stolen pieces might surface at flea markets or antique shops.

Among the items taken are unique creations by renowned artist Florence Resnikoff, known for her intricate jewelry designs, as well as various campaign pins and athletic trophies that tell stories from the past.

Fogarty indicated that this incident seems more like a crime of opportunity rather than a targeted theft, suggesting that the thieves entered the secured location, grabbed whatever they could, and left swiftly.

Community involvement is crucial; Fogarty emphasized, 'These are not just losses for the museum, but for our entire community. We hope people can help us bring these artifacts back where they belong.'

Retired LAPD captain John Romero noted that the items might already be sold, with detectives likely monitoring platforms like Craigslist and eBay for any signs of the stolen goods.

The museum's mission is to document California's art, history, and natural environment, and it has also previously dealt with thefts, such as a notable case in 2013 when a jewelry box from the Gold Rush period was recovered with community help.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oakland police at (510) 238-3951, or submit a tip through the FBI's Art Crime Team online or via phone at (800) 225-5324.