Manger snatchers have struck again, taking baby Jesus and Mary from a crib under the Manwel Dimech Bridge on the Regional Road, the second time a nativity scene has been the target of people with bad taste.

The figure of Our Lady was broken off from its metal base, to which it was bolted, and stolen on Tuesday.

"Plants, shrubs, trees and other items are usually taken and we have become used to it but we never expected this. It takes it to a whole new low", Environment and Landscapes Consortium general manager Ronald Cuschieri said when contacted.

The first baby Jesus was taken on December 17 from opposite the War Memorial in Floriana. For a few days a notice lay in the crib informing the public that some "kind soul" had taken it.

The ELC replaced baby Jesus, after another one was generously donated by the Guzeppa Debono Home NGO, based in Mgarr, Gozo.

Five cribs in Malta and another in Gozo were placed strategically across the island, together with other seasonal lights to add some Christmas cheer that has seemingly been lacking due to the recent hike in utility tariffs.

The illuminated cribs cost about €200 and are the latest addition to the 36 sites that have been decorated for the past three years.

The ELC filed a police report about the incidents.