December 3, 2010

Trenton, New Jersey — Having a baby Jesus or other items taken from a nativity scene or holiday display at your home or house of worship can be painful during what should be a joyous time.

But thanks to some high-tech help, dozens of churches and residents are finding they can quickly recover cherished items that were purloined by thieves or holiday pranksters.

They're using global positioning systems and related devices that are hidden inside the figurines. The devices use satellite signals to pinpoint their location anywhere in the world, and are often no larger than a domino.

If an item goes missing, the owners can use cell phones or computer browsers to track not only its current location, but where it has been since it was taken.

One area firm, New York-based BrickHouse Security, provides a GPS device at no cost to nonprofit and religious institutions as part of its "GPS Jesus'' program.

- Bruce Shipkowski, "GPS technology protecting Baby Jesus," Asbury Park Press, December 3, 2010