Officials: Baby Jesus figures stolen from 5 NJ churches

CLIFTON, N.J. -- Investigators are trying to figure out who has snatched baby Jesus statues from five northern New Jersey churches since Christmas Eve.

The latest theft came at St. Clare Roman Catholic Church in Clifton. The Rev. Peter Glabik says the figurine was taken from its outdoor nativity scene between 7 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday.

James Goodness, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Newark, says thieves made off with statues from four other churches in Kearny, Lyndhurst and North Arlington.

Authorities are working to determine if the thefts are related.

Goodness says he's hoping that the crimes are nothing more than pranks and that the statues are returned.