Over 1,000 Artifacts Stolen From Oakland Museum Storage Facility

Over 1,000 artifacts were stolen in an early morning burglary at the Oakland Museum of California's off-site storage facility on October 15, 2025, in an apparent crime of opportunity rather than a targeted art heist. The stolen items include Native American baskets, handcrafted metal jewelry by artist Florence Resnikoff, scrimshaw walrus tusks, political pins, athletic awards, laptops, and other historic memorabilia that represent California's cultural and artistic history. Museum Director Lori Fogarty emphasized that the theft is a loss not only to the institution but to the wider community, urging the public to help recover the items by checking pawn shops and online resale platforms. The Oakland Police Department and the FBI's Art Crime Team are investigating the case, with experts noting that the thieves likely sought quick cash and may have already sold some items online. The museum is also communicating with Native American tribes regarding the stolen baskets, which hold particular cultural significance. This theft follows previous incidents, including a 2013 theft where stolen items were eventually recovered with public assistance, fostering hope for a similar outcome this time.