On December 19, the Jesus figure from the nativity scene in Benimaclet, Valencia, was stolen again, only ten days after it had previously been stolen and replaced by a caricature. This time, the vandals did not only steal the Jesus figure, but have also painted the word "eviction" on the wooden planks protecting the crib.
Also, after the second theft, a photograph of the Jesus figure was left in place of the original figure.
These thefts occurred the second year in a row causing an outcry. According to the parish priest of Benimaclet, José Antonio Varela Ferrandis, these are "uneducated people who lack education and respect for freedom of expression". Both the priest and the president of the Cofradía del Santísimo Cristo (Brotherhood of the Holy Christ) in Paco Cuenca, have called for the installation of a surveillance camera to prevent further robberies; something which will at least "make them a little afraid, as they have no shame", according to media.
OIDAC had reported about the theft of December 9.
Update: The figure reappeared at a music festival, where the members of Brotherhood of the Holy Christ recovered it.