California museum heist: Thieves steal over 1,000 items, including historical artifacts

(KRON) – A museum’s historical artifacts were among more than 1,000 items stolen during an October heist in Oakland, California, local officials have confirmed.

Agents with the FBI’s Art Crime Team and detectives with the Oakland Police Department are attempting to identify the thieves and track down stolen artifacts, which include carved ivory tusks, Native American jewelry, and historical photographs.

The heist took place on the afternoon of Oct. 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,” Lori Fogarty, the museum’s CEO, said. “Most of these objects have been given to the Museum by generous donors.”

On Wednesday, the Oakland Police Department released photographs of stolen artifacts and asked for the public’s help.

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