 | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (December 2021) |
Baby Jesus theft is the theft of figurines of the infant Jesus from outdoor public and private nativity displays during the Christmas season. It is an "enduring (and illegal) practice" according to New York Times journalist Katie Rogers, "believed to be part of a yearly tradition, often carried out by bored teenagers looking for an easy prank."[1] Sometimes these are stolen for resale, other times the associated pranks are more involved and include dropping it off somewhere else.[2]
The prevalence of such thefts has caused some owners of outdoor manger scenes to protect their property with GPS devices or surveillance cameras, or to removing baby Jesus from the displays outside of specific requests or public showings.[3] Occasionally the figurines are returned.[4]
- ^ "Thefts of Baby Jesus Statues Unnerve New Jersey Churches". The New York Times. 29 December 2015. Archived from the original on 29 December 2015. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
- ^ "Woman charged in baby Jesus theft receives act of mercy". The Morning Call. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- ^ "Frequent thefts keep baby Jesus figures under lock and key at stores selling nativity scenes". Grand Forks Herald. 6 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- ^ Desmond, Declan (23 December 2018). "Minnesota 'Baby Jesus' thefts seem to be part of a national trend". Bring Me The News. Retrieved 26 December 2022.