Thieves Loot Over 1,000 Artifacts from Oakland Museum's Collection

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:15:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a shocking burglary, more than 1,000 items were stolen from the Oakland Museum of California, prompting an investigation that calls upon the community for assistance in recovering these significant artifacts.

The Oakland Museum of California's collection was raided on October 15, resulting in the theft of various artifacts, including items significant to California's history. Museum Director Lori Fogarty has urged the community to help recover the lost treasures, highlighting their importance not just to the museum but to the public at large. The museum is collaborating with local police and the FBI's Art Crime Team in the investigation, looking for the items in resell markets and platforms.

OAKLAND, Calif. — In a recent incident that has raised concerns among cultural institutions, police in California are probing the theft of more than 1,000 items from the Oakland Museum of California, including metalwork jewelry and Native American baskets.

The burglary occurred in the early hours of October 15 at an off-site storage facility, according to a release from the Oakland Police Department. The items were primarily artifacts that tell the rich story of California’s diverse history.

According to Lori Fogarty, the museum’s director, the investigation has gone public in hopes that community members might assist in recovering the artifacts, which could surface in flea markets, antique shops, or pawn stores.

“They’re not just a loss to the museum,” Fogarty stated. “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 likely a crime of opportunity rather than a targeted heist, indicating the criminals may have exploited existing vulnerabilities to quickly grab what they could.

Items stolen from the museum included notable pieces by the late artist and metalsmith, Florence Resnikoff, as well as historical memorabilia from the 20th century such as athletic awards and campaign pins.

John Romero, a retired LAPD captain specializing in commercial crimes, remarked that the items may already have been sold due to the immediacy of the burglary, encouraging a broad awareness to tackle the issue of stolen cultural property.

In a previous incident in 2013, an Oakland resident successfully traced back a stolen jewelry box to a pawn shop with community help. Fogarty expressed hope that history might repeat itself.

The museum continues its mission to document California's art, history, and natural environment, striving to re-engage the community in the fight against cultural theft. Anyone with information regarding the burglary is urged to reach out to the Oakland police or the Art Crime Team.