Eric Risberg/Associated Press

An NBA Entertainment crew of three had its van robbed at approximately 2 p.m. PT Tuesday at an Oakland shopping mall.

The theft was reported by Harry Harris and David DeBolt of the Oakland Tribune on Thursday and resulted in $40,000 worth of equipment stolen, including camera gear and five laptops.

NBA Entertainment's crew was away from the van for about 20 minutes to pick up food from Panda Express before returning to see a smashed window and discovering the expensive items had been stolen.

Thursday marks the start of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The mall area is located close to the Warriors' home court, so local police have plans to patrol the area and other potentially popular tourist destinations with more security personnel.

The shopping center, located off Hegenberger Road, has had an apparent problem with thievery in the past but figures to crack down with such a big sporting event in town.