Bring me the Head of Colonel Harlan Sanders...

Last month, someone stole a bronze bust of COLONEL SANDERS from the lobby of a KFC restaurant in Berea, Kentucky.

The bust is worth about $1,200. And now, KFC is offering a $500 reward for information leading to its return.

Or rather, they're offering $500 worth of CHICKEN for information leading to its return.

According to a company spokesman, KFC was going to offer a cash reward. But, quote, "we think KFC's world-famous chicken is a better motivator than money."

...because if there's one thing everyone needs in tough economic times like these, it's FRIED CHICKEN.