Oakland museum says burglary was a crime of opportunity, not a targeted theft

(KRON) — The suspect or suspects who broke into the Oakland Museum of California’s off-site storehouse  and stole more than 1,000 items from the Museum’s collection likely did so as a crime of opportunity and not as a targeted burglary, the museum said in a statement Friday.

“There is no indication that the perpetrators specifically identified the facility as museum storage or sought particular artworks or artifacts,” the museum said. “Instead, it appears they gained access and took items that were most easily available.”

Some of the more historically significant items taken in the burglary include six Native American baskets, several 19th-century scrimshaw pieces, several daguerreotype photographs and modernist jewelry.

“While every object in OMCA’s collection plays an important role in preserving the story of California and its people, the majority of stolen items consist of historic memorabilia such as political pins, award ribbons, and souvenir tokens,” the museum said.

The museum is communicating with tribal communities across the state about the stolen baskets, the museum said. The tribe connected to the stolen items has asked the museum not reveal its name or any more details about the baskets at this time.

Lori Fogarty, the Executive Director and CEO of the Oakland Museum of California, said the museum takes responsibility for the burglary.

“This is a loss not only for OMCA, but for the broader community,” Fogarty said. “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.”