Update: Police Seek Return of Christ

UPDATE - 1:16 p.m. - More details now from Fredericksburg police spokesperson Natatia Bledsoe. She provides a description of the stolen Nativity figure, writing:

"The figure is made up of a single configuration of manger and child, approximately 18 inches by 12 inches. Rappaport Companies, the management firm which oversees the shopping center, attempted to secure the figure from theft by filling it with roughly 80 pounds of concrete, but apparently the thieves were determined."

Further, Bledsoe reitertated calls to return the Baby Jesus.

"It is hoped that the larceny was merely a prank and that the offenders choose to return the Baby Jesus to the public display," wrote Bledsoe in an email.

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A quick update on the : This is not the first time that a baby Jesus figurine has been stolen from the retail center's Christmas decorations.

According to Fredericksburg Police Public Information Officer Natatia Bledsoe, A similar theft occurred from the same Nativity scene in 2005, but the figurine was returned safely within hours of the discovery of his abduction. 

"Hopefully this time the offender, who I’m sure is feeling remorseful and wracked with guilt not to mention fearing for the fate of his soul, will safely return the Christ child," wrote Bledsoe in an email.