(KRON) – The suspect or suspects who broke into the Oakland, California, museum’s off-site warehouse and stole more than 1,000 items from the museum’s collection likely did so as a crime of opportunity rather than as a targeted robbery, the museum said in a statement Friday.
“There is no indication that the perpetrators specifically identified the facility as museum storage or sought specific artworks or artifacts,” the museum said. “Instead, it appears they gained access and took items that were more readily available.”
Some of the most historically significant items taken in the burglary include six Native American baskets, several 19th-century scrimshaw pieces, several daguerreotype photographs and modern jewelry.
“While each item in the OMCA collection plays an important role in preserving the story of California and its people, the majority of items stolen consist of historical memorabilia such as political pins, award ribbons, and commemorative tokens,” the museum said.
The museum is reaching out to tribal communities across the state about the stolen baskets, the museum said. The tribe linked to the stolen items asked the museum not to reveal its name or any other details about the baskets at this time.
Lori Fogarty, executive director and CEO of the Oakland Museum in 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 manage California’s history and cultural heritage very seriously and remains committed to recovering stolen items and ensuring their continued care for future generations.”