Glendale, Arizona, December 8, 2025
A Phoenix man, Connor Burgess, has been arrested for stealing nearly $12,000 worth of golf equipment from multiple retail stores in Glendale. He faces numerous felony charges due to a spate of thefts where high-end golf clubs were stolen. The police identified him through surveillance footage and subsequent online sales of the stolen items, leading to his arrest at a local motel. His prior criminal history includes multiple arrests, highlighting ongoing issues with retail theft in the area.
Glendale, Arizona – Phoenix Man Arrested in Multi-Store Golf Equipment Theft Spree
A 31-year-old Phoenix man, Connor Burgess, was arrested on November 25, 2025, for his involvement in a series of thefts targeting golf equipment stores in the Valley. Nearly $12,000 worth of merchandise was reported stolen. Burgess faces multiple felony charges, including three counts of organized retail theft, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of narcotic drugs.
Details of the Theft Spree
Between October 10 and October 27, 2025, Burgess allegedly stole high-end golf clubs from PGA Tour Superstore and Dick’s Sporting Goods locations in Glendale. Significant thefts during this period included:
- October 10: Six Ping brand drivers valued at $3,719.94.
- October 14: Six Ping drivers and a TaylorMade club totaling $4,049.93.
- October 27: Approximately $4,200 worth of golf equipment from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Witnesses reported that Burgess ignored assistance offers and headed straight to the golf section during each theft. Surveillance footage and online listing checks for newly stolen equipment helped detectives identify him as the suspect.
Investigation and Arrest
Detectives traced the stolen gear to listings on OfferUp, finding Burgess selling the items at significantly low prices. Surveillance footage confirmed his identity through appearance and tattoos. On November 25, police located Burgess at a Travel Lodge in Phoenix. Upon further investigation, Burgess was identified and was found in possession of illegal drugs while allegedly attempting to sell narcotics to an undercover officer.
Background Information
Burgess has a long criminal history, including past arrests for assault, burglary, theft, and drug possession. At the time of his apprehension, he was on probation, which he violated with these new charges. The investigation involved collaboration between Glendale police and various law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the role of community vigilance in combating retail theft.
Impact on the Community
The series of thefts has raised alarms among local retailers and the community regarding organized retail crime’s prevalence. In response, affected stores have ramped up security measures, including better surveillance and staff training to thwart future incidents. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity to help protect local businesses.
Related Incidents
This incident is part of a broader surge in retail thefts in the Phoenix area. Recent notable cases include:
- October 2024: Two arrests for burglaries at Family Dollar stores, with approximately $315,000 in stolen goods.
- September 2024: A man arrested after stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of golf gear from Troon North Golf Club.
- January 2025: An individual taken into custody for stealing over $5,000 in trading cards from various Target stores.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and retailers in addressing organized retail crime.
Conclusion
The capture of Connor Burgess underscores a persistent issue of retail theft in the Phoenix region. Ongoing cooperation between law enforcement, businesses, and the community remains crucial in preventing further crimes and ensuring safety for local consumers and retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Connor Burgess?
Connor Burgess is a 31-year-old Phoenix man arrested on November 25, 2025, in connection with a series of thefts targeting golf equipment stores across the Valley. The stolen merchandise is valued at nearly $12,000. Burgess faces multiple felony charges, including three counts of organized retail theft, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of narcotic drugs.
What items did Burgess steal?
Between October 10 and October 27, 2025, Burgess allegedly stole high-end golf clubs from PGA Tour Superstore and Dick’s Sporting Goods locations in Glendale. The thefts included six Ping brand drivers valued at $3,719.94 on October 10, six Ping drivers and a TaylorMade club totaling $4,049.93 on October 14, and approximately $4,200 worth of golf equipment from Dick’s Sporting Goods on October 27.
How was Burgess identified and arrested?
Detectives traced the stolen equipment to online listings on OfferUp, where Burgess was selling the items at significantly reduced prices. Surveillance footage from the thefts matched his appearance and tattoos. On November 25, 2025, detectives located Burgess at a Travel Lodge in Phoenix. During surveillance, they observed him matching the suspect’s description and confirmed his identity through conversation and matching tattoos. During the encounter, Burgess was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs and even attempted to sell narcotics to an undercover detective.
What is Burgess’s criminal history?
Burgess has an extensive criminal history, including previous arrests and convictions for assault, burglary, theft, and drug possession. At the time of his arrest, he was on probation, which he violated with these new charges.
What impact have these thefts had on the community?
The thefts have raised concerns among local retailers and the community about the prevalence of organized retail crime. In response, affected stores have increased security measures, including enhanced surveillance and staff training to prevent future incidents. Authorities continue to encourage the public to report suspicious activities to help combat retail theft and protect local businesses.
Are there other recent retail theft incidents in the Phoenix area?
Yes, this case is part of a broader trend of retail thefts in the Phoenix area. In recent months, there have been several high-profile incidents, including burglaries targeting Family Dollar stores, thefts at Troon North Golf Club, and a man arrested for stealing over $5,000 in trading cards from Target stores across the Valley.
Chart: Recent Retail Theft Incidents in Phoenix Area
| Date | Location | Incident |
|---|---|---|
| October 2024 | Family Dollar stores | Two suspects arrested for burglaries, approximately $315,000 in stolen merchandise. |
| September 2024 | Troon North Golf Club | Man arrested for stealing thousands of dollars worth of golf equipment. |
| January 2025 | Target stores | Man arrested for stealing over $5,000 in trading cards. |
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