Some wise guys swiped the three wise men from a Lawrence coupleâÂÂs nativity scene.

The thieves also heisted Jesus, Mary, Joseph, three shepherds and the animals that had been around the manger of the larger-than-life, front yard creche in the 400 block of Cattleman Court in west Lawrence.

âÂÂMy wife walked outside just after 6 this morning and noticed it was all gone,â Ken Meyer said Tuesday. âÂÂAll I could think is this is not a good way to start off the holiday.âÂÂ

It wasnâÂÂt the first time Patricia and Ken Meyer have fallen victim to yuletide chicanery.

âÂÂTwo other times someone has taken the baby Jesus. The first time we had to buy a new one. The second time the thief actually brought the baby back,â Ken Meyer said.

This time the Meyers fear they may not be so lucky.

âÂÂI have a feeling we will never see our belongings again,â Meyer said.

For years the nativity scene has been a part of the Meyer family tradition.

âÂÂOn Thanksgiving night every year we put up our tree, the lights, and of course the nativity scene,â Meyer said. âÂÂI cut out all of the pieces, and over the years my wife has been painting everything in order to make it look perfect.âÂÂ

The nativity scene had more than a dozen figures made from wood. Some stood about 9 feet tall. WhatâÂÂs left after the heist is the stable with two angels overlooking the place where the Holy Family used to be. A donkey, a camel and three sheep also survived.

Now the couple is faced with knowing they may have to start all over.

âÂÂIf no one steps forward, we will go ahead and leave what we have up and then come spring start making everything over again,â Meyer said. âÂÂAt least they waited until after our cul-de-sac Christmas party.âÂÂ

The couple erected a large sign at the creche advising passersby theyâÂÂve been robbed and asking anyone who knows anything about the theft to either return the items or contact the police.