In the Dr. Seuss classic, The Grinch who stole Christmas is a green and furry villain who sees the error of his way at the end of the day. Unfortunately real life Grinches are much harder to spot and don’t often change their stripes.

This is perhaps nowhere more true than a recent theft that shows the worst of human nature. Thoughtless —and heartless — thieves stole the Baby Jesus statue from the nativity scene in Paul Porter Park in Coal Grove, a senseless and heinous crime that is symbolic of far worse than just the thievery act itself.

The Coal Grove Betterment Club, a small group of committed volunteers who work hard to raise money and make the park shine, deserve better than this and are asking for the community’s help in catching the thief or thieves.

Anyone with information is urged to call the village or the Coal Grove Police Department.

This is truly a senseless crime or act of vandalism that does nothing more than cast a negative light on our community and illustrate how thoughtless some people can be.

Just as the Grinch couldn’t steal Christmas, the thieves may have stolen Baby Jesus but cannot make off with the spirit of the holiday and what it means to all of us.