A Katy church is seeking assistance from the community following a burglary that resulted in the theft of approximately $15,000 worth of sound equipment shortly after a Sunday service.
The incident occurred at Harvest Katy Church on July 5 around 4:30 p.m., with the suspect captured on surveillance footage. Authorities are now appealing to the public for help in identifying the individual responsible for the crime. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000.
According to Senior Pastor Kris Jenkins, the footage shows a man wandering the church grounds located on Franz Road near Fry Road before he forced entry into the building through a rear door. “He used some type of screwdriver to remove the deadbolt lock and then pried the door open,” Jenkins explained.
Once inside, the burglar headed straight for the sanctuary and made off with a significant portion of the church’s sound system. The stolen items included two large subwoofers, a keyboard, a digital soundboard, monitor speakers, microphones, and personal monitors, with Jenkins estimating the total loss at nearly $15,000.
The sound equipment is vital for the church’s worship services, youth programs, and community events. Jenkins emphasized, “But the church is much more than a building and equipment — it’s the people. We’ve only had that equipment for about six months. Before then, we were worshiping with sometimes just an iPad and instruments. You took the sound, but you can’t take our worship.”
As the investigation continues, the church is making temporary adjustments to its services and events until the stolen equipment can be replaced. “I’m very disappointed, and of course, it hurts because we’re here to serve other people. When something like this happens, it can be frustrating and even make you a bit angry. But our faith teaches us to respond with wisdom and grace,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins also extended a message to the thief: “If you want to bring it back, please bring it back. I care more about you bringing it back and having the right heart than I do about the value of the equipment.”
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the burglary, and anyone with information is urged to reach out. Meanwhile, Harvest Katy Church has initiated a fundraiser to help replace the stolen items.
