CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Mary and Joseph figurines were stolen from a life-size nativity display at a Coral Springs community.
The figurines were stolen from the display at the entrance to the Turtle Run community on Sample Road, west of U.S. 441 and east of Turtle Run Boulevard, about a week ago.
"It's a shame that somebody would go and take Mary and Joseph from the nativity set," said Coral Springs Police Lt. Joe McHugh.
A sign asking for prayers for the thieves was on display Monday.
"When I first passed by this, I was like, 'Did they really do that?'" said one man.
"They don't take seriously the reason for the season, you know. It's just a joke to them," said Tony Pierce. "It's like there's no reverence, no respect anymore for the reason we celebrate Christmas."
The figurines are valued at $1,100.
Last year, a baby Jesus figurine was stolen from the same nativity scene. It returned a few weeks later.
"They're just sitting, located behind us, which makes it easier for somebody to steal," said McHugh. "Hopefully in the future, we can find a way to secure the statues to the ground so it's not an easy crime for somebody to just pull up, take them, and go."