Thieves steal more than 1,000 items from museum’s collection in ‘brazen’ heist

Thieves have stolen more than 1,000 items from a museum’s collection in California, including jewellery, carvings and Native American artefacts.

The burglary took place at an off-site storage facility holding items for the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) on 15 October.

The museum’s director said on Thursday details about the incident were being made public because the items might show up at flea markets, pawn shops and antique stores.

“The theft that occurred represents a brazen act that robs the public of our state’s cultural heritage,” said Lori Fogarty.

“They’re not just a loss to the museum. They’re a loss to the public, to our community and we’re hoping our community can help us bring them home.”

She also said she believed it was an opportunistic crime, rather than a targeted raid.

“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,” she said.

A metal neckpiece by the late artist Florence Resnikoff, scrimshaw walrus tusks and Native American baskets were taken, with the thieves also making off with historic memorabilia like pins and sporting items.

Experts believe some items may have already been sold.

John Romero, a retired police captain, told the Los Angeles Times he expects detectives are looking at resale platforms such as Craigslist and Ebay, as well as networks specialising in historic or collectable goods.

“These people are interested in fast cash, not the full appraisal value,” he said. “They need to get rid of it quickly.”

Oakland Police Department is working with a specialist art crime unit of the FBI to track down the items.

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The OMCA’s mission is to document the art, history and natural environment of the Golden State.

Its collection carries works by famous Californian artists from the 18th century to present day.

The theft at the OMCA took place four days before the brazen jewellery heist at the Louvre museum in France.

Thieves broke into the world-famous Paris museum while it was open to visitors on 19 October and made off with several Napoleonic crown jewels.

Authorities have made five arrests but the stolen items have not yet been recovered.