In Kahla in the Saale-Holzland district, unknown individuals stole and damaged parts of a Christmas nativity scene displayed outside the Catholic church of St Nikolaus in December 2025.
The theft was reported on 22 December 2025 and involved the removal of two wooden figures - an ox and a donkey - from the scene; other figures such as the angel and the infant Jesus were also missing when parish members discovered the aftermath on a Monday morning. The parish members reported that figures had been desecrated.
At the time of reporting, no suspects had been apprehended. Members of the parish and others in the town were seeking information that might lead to the return of the stolen figures, with offers of small rewards for helpful tips.