Someone devout executed for theft (5)

I believe the answer is:

heist

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'for theft' is the definition.
(heist is a kind of theft)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for heist that I've seen before include "bank job in America?" , "Bank robbery" , "Robbery (mainly US)" , "Audacious robbery" , "crime?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.

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