But why do something so unthinkable again...?

It's a travesty

but as you can see

For some reason, the temple bell has been replaced with a smaller one.

...Why a hontsubosuzu? A bell above the door to a hall of worship, rung before entering

I can't imagine what anyone would gain from stealing a temple bell, though...

To disrupt the New Year's Eve ritual...?

Maybe to disrupt the New Year's Eve ritual...?

Maybe it's someone bothered by the sound who really loves sleeping, or maybe an embodiment of worldly desires disturbed by the ritual!