A theft at the Nativity display in San Vicente del Raspeig drew swift police attention after a ransom demand appeared in the news. Last Sunday afternoon, local officers stopped two suspects accused of stealing the Baby Jesus figure from the nativity setup placed between Pintor Sorolla and Lillo Juan streets. The city council reported the event on Monday, noting that the figure had later been recovered from a container and would be returned to the festive scene on Monday morning.
Footage circulated online showing the ransom demand of 2000 euros, and the individuals involved were taken into custody as the investigation moved forward. The capture and charging of those involved followed a rapid sequence of actions by investigators who sought witnesses capable of providing information about the alleged theft. As the inquiry progressed, two men aged 19 and 21, residents of the town, confessed to their role and were processed by the authorities.
City officials confirmed that around 8 p.m. on Sunday, local residents located the Baby Jesus near a container close to the place where it was originally installed. The mayor thanked neighbors for their cooperation, which played a key part in the quick resolution of the case. The figure was reinstalled by around 10 a.m. after police inspection determined it was in good condition.
The mayor also expressed regret over the incident and the disruption it caused, while hoping that ongoing festivities would proceed without further problems. He spoke of the City Hall elves and the newly arranged Christmas decorations prepared for the year, emphasizing a shared wish for visitors and residents to enjoy the season without further interruptions.
At the time of the events two young men had demanded a 2000 euro payment from the local authorities and claimed that the Child Jesus figure had not been treated with proper care by the police. They warned they would cause damage if their demand was not met, a stance that added tension to an already sensitive holiday display.