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$600K in donations stolen from Osteen’s megachurch

HOUSTON — The Houston megachurch led by Pastor Joel Osteen has been targeted by thieves who stole cash, checks and credit card information from a safe.

Police spokeswoman Jodi Silva said Tuesday that nobody has been arrested in the theft from Lakewood Church. Silva declined to estimate how much was stolen.

MyFoxHouston reported the thieves walked away with nearly $600,000. The report says $200,000 of it was believed to be cash.

Church officials are cooperating with police and had no further comment Tuesday.

The offerings were given Saturday and Sunday. Investigators believe the safe was broken into between 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 8:30 a.m. Monday. Lakewood followers had been advised to monitor their accounts.

Church officials say there’s no data breach and the stolen funds are insured. Credit card information was in donation envelopes.

More than 38,000 people attend weekly services led by Osteen, whose televised sermons reach nearly 100 countries.