Thief Apologizes for ‘Dumb Mistake’ and Returns Stolen Baby Jesus Statue with Note

Fort Collins, Colorado, got a taste of holiday cheer when a stolen Baby Jesus figurine anonymously was returned to the Poudre Fire Authority Station, just days after it had been stolen from the Old Town Square nativity scene. The thief had returned it with a hand-written note requesting forgiveness for the “dumb mistake.”

Theft and Return: A Timeline of Events

The Baby Jesus figurine from the nativity scene in Old Town Square was stolen. The Fort Collins Police Department launched a search for the suspect. But the investigation took a surprising turn when the figurine “mysteriously” turned up at a local fire station. The statue was recovered within three to five days of the theft.

The Apology Note: A Plea for Forgiveness

The note of the thief, which was penned in “chicken-scratch,” apologized for the crime and sought forgiveness. Part of the contents of the note have not been made public, but the words “dumb mistake” have been widely quoted.

“I’m really sorry, I made a dumb mistake in the moment. It won’t happen again,” the lukewarm apologetic missive conveyed.

Community Reaction: A “Christmas Miracle”

News of the statue’s return has been met with widespread relief and joy in Fort Collins. Calls have been made for the event to be considered a “Christmas miracle” with the high note of the holiday season being struck on forgiveness and redemption.

Though the thief is not known, the anonymous return of the statue with an apology has deeply touched the community and helped reinforce the values of Christmas.