Police have recovered a life-sized baby Jesus doll that was stolen from a nativity display.

The theft from outside St John's Kirk in Perth was reported at around 11.30pm on Monday night.

Police said that three young boys were seen in the area of the nativity at the time and were last seen near St John Street, Perth.

They were described as wearing black clothing, with two of the boys carrying rucksacks.

Police have confirmed that the stolen property had been traced and will be returned to the nativity display in due course.

Tayside Police Division appealed for witnesses to the theft.

One light-hearted social media comment on the theft has been widely shared and received over 1500 likes.

The Herald: