Bourbonnais, IL – Bourbonnais Village officials have reported the theft of a Baby Jesus figurine from their public nativity scene, located at the corner of Route 102 and Convent. The incident occurred over the past weekend, and authorities are appealing for the figurine’s safe return. This type of theft is not unique to Bourbonnais; similar occurrences have been reported in various towns and cities, leading some to discontinue public nativity displays.
The theft of Baby Jesus figurines from nativity scenes is a widespread issue, often attributed to pranks or attempts at resale. These thefts have prompted some owners to take extra precautions, such as installing GPS devices, surveillance cameras, or removing the figurine when not on public display. Despite these measures, thefts continue to occur across the United States, with some instances involving vandalism or the addition of offensive symbols to the stolen items.
This incident in Bourbonnais echoes a similar situation in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where a stolen Baby Jesus was recently returned to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church following its disappearance on December 22. The recurrence of such thefts reflects a broader trend of targeting holiday displays, sometimes leading to community discussions about the placement and security of these seasonal symbols.
