Pieces of California history stolen in Oakland museum heist

(KRON) — A museum’s historical artifacts were among more than 1,000 items stolen during an October heist in Oakland. FBI agents and Oakland Police Department detectives are attempting to identify the thieves and track down stolen artifacts, which include carved ivory tusks, Native American jewelry, and historical photographs.

The heist happened around 3:30 a.m. on October 15 at the Oakland Museum of California’s off-site storage facility, police said. Burglars broke into the facility and stole hundreds of items from the museum’s collection, according to OPD.

“The theft that occurred represents a brazen act that robs the public of our state’s cultural heritage,” the museum’s CEO, Lori Fogarty, said. “Most of these objects have been given to the Museum by generous donors.”

On Wednesday, OPD released photographs of stolen artifacts that are missing and asked for the public’s help.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the OPD Burglary Section at 510-238-3951. You can also contact the FBI Art Crime Team online, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.