Two weeks after a break-in at an off-site storage facility, the Oakland Museum of California has released its first public statement on the theft of more than 1,000 historic artifacts – offering new details about the scope of the loss and the ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued Friday, Oct. 31, museum officials said the burglary on Oct. 15 appears to have been “a crime of opportunity,” not a targeted art heist.
Investigators believe the suspect or suspects gained access to the facility and took items “that were most easily available,” rather than specific artworks or artifacts.
Items stolen from the Oakland Museum of California’s collection included historic Native American artifacts. (Oakland Police Department/TNS)
The museum said most of the missing objects are historic memorabilia such as campaign pins, award ribbons and souvenir tokens. More sensitive losses include six Native American baskets, several 19th-century scrimshaw pieces, daguerreotypes and jewelry by the late metalsmith Florence Resnikoff.
OMCA said it is working directly with the Tribe connected to the stolen Native American baskets, which requested anonymity and asked that further details not be released publicly.
Law enforcement officials from the Oakland Police Department and the FBI’s Art Crime Team continue to investigate. Both agencies have declined to comment on the value of the stolen items or possible suspects.
“The Museum takes its responsibility to steward California’s history and cultural legacy with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to recovering the stolen items and ensuring their continued care for future generations,” OMCA Executive Director and CEO Lori Fogarty said in a statement.
A man walks past the Oakland Museum of California, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Oakland. Museum officials said Friday that a break-in that led to the theft of 1,000 artifacts was a “crime of opportunity,” not a targeted heist. (Godofredo A. Vásquez/Associated Press)
The museum delayed releasing details of the theft until authorities determined that public outreach would not interfere with the investigation. Police have not disclosed the location of the off-site facility.
“This is a loss not only for OMCA, but for the broader community,” Fogarty continued. “We are deeply grateful for our community’s solidarity as we work to address this serious loss.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Burglary Section at 510-238-3951 or the FBI Art Crime Team at 1-800-CALL-FBI or Tips.fbi.gov.
This article originally published at Oakland Museum says theft of 1,000 artifacts was not a targeted heist.