Police in California are investigating the theft of over 1,000 items from the Oakland Museum of California. The burglary occurred Oct. 15 at an off-site storage facility. Stolen items include metalwork jewelry, Native American baskets, and everyday memorabilia like athletic trophies. Museum director Lori Fogarty says the theft appears to be a crime of opportunity. The investigation is being disclosed publicly as the artifacts might appear at flea markets or pawn shops. Authorities are working with the FBI's art crime unit and have anyone with information to contact Oakland police or the Art Crime Team.
By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS and R.J. RICO Associated Press
Just days after a stunning heist at the Louvre Museum, speculation is growing around where the lavish, stolen jewels that once adorned France's royals might end up. Some warn the artifacts, valued at over $100 million, could be melted or broken into parts — and later sold as pieces of new jewelry. Still, such pieces are often sold for a fraction of the value of what was fully stolen. And it isn't a simple process. Others believe the characteristics of the historical jewels might make them difficult to sell. Museums have increasingly faced a rash of similar thefts over the years.
