On this day, Oct. 29, in 1964, three thieves, including surfing champion Jack Murphy, stole the Star of India and other gems from the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

In what was dubbed the “Jewel Heist of the Century,” the thieves unlocked a bathroom window during open hours and climbed in that night. The alarm for the golf-ball-size Star of India sapphire didn’t work because the battery was dead. In all, the thieves swiped 22 gems.

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