Following the lead of automakers and freight companies, this holiday season churches and synagogues are beginning to protect their valuables via Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The Christmas valuables include members of nativity scenes, and the new high-tech protection is also being used by governments and individuals. One 18-year-old in Florida has already been arrested for “kidnapping” baby Jesus from a church nativity scene.

Thefts of figures from nativity scenes seems to be an annual event. All too often, the figures are later found covered with anti-religious or Satanic markings, or are never found at all. In the Florida case, the $1,800 life-sized baby Jesus had been stolen two years running. Church officials decided enough was enough and took up a free offer from a security company for use of security cameras and GPS units. About 70 churches and synagogues accepted the offer to protect church valuables displayed outside during the holiday season, according to an article published by MSNBC.

The security company that offered free equipment for up to 200 religious nonprofits was Brickhouse Security, based in New York. Brickhouse chief executive officer Todd Morris said he had the idea after several churches inquired about one-month security equipment rentals instead of the usual longer contracts. A variety of Christian churches and Jewish synagogues took advantage of the offer.

Others have used their own money to obtain security devices to protect outdoor valuables. A family in Texas took the unusual step of purchasing and mounting security cameras to cover their yard after a teeter-totter was stolen. Later in the year, the camera showed a teenaged girl stealing a ceramic baby Jesus from their nativity scene. “They took the family Jesus,” said Gloria Herrera, of Richland Hills. “How can anybody do that?”

Some thefts involving nativity figures, menorahs, and other religious symbols are seen as teenage pranks. Others, especially those involving minority religions, are more properly seen as hate crimes. Attorney Mike Johnson of the conservative Christian legal group Alliance Defense Fund said, “I suspect most of it is childish pranks. Clearly, there are adults with an agenda to remove Christ from Christmas. But they tend to occupy themselves with the courts and courtroom of public opinion.”

Deborah Lauter, the national civil rights director of the Jewish Anti-Defamation league had the following to say: “If Baby Jesus is removed, it tends to be seen as a prank. Vandalism or theft of a menorah is just more sensitive. You feel like you’re really being targeted for your religion.”

Regardless of motive, it has gotten a little harder this year to steal the religious holiday spirit.

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Entry was posted on Saturday, December 13th, 2008 at 5:01 pm under Crime, Legal, Security, Technology.

Read more entries by Michael W. Jones.
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