Man arrested in connection with package thefts in Mesa and Gilbert: PD
Alleged porch pirate arrested after Mesa theft string
An alleged porch pirate is facing multiple felony charges after Mesa detectives linked him to a string of package thefts totaling nearly $3,000. FOX 10's Megan Spector learns more.
MESA, Ariz. - Mesa Police say they have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with a series of package thefts that happened in the East Valley since March.
What we know:
According to a statement released on June 16, investigators believe Luan Nguyen is the suspect in more than 15 package theft incidents from front porches in Mesa, in addition to one similar incident in Gilbert.
"Between March 27, 2026, and June 5, 2026, Nguyen allegedly stole packages that had been delivered to residents' homes," investigators wrote.
What they're saying:
"Investigators determined that Nguyen stole more than $2,800 worth of merchandise," read a portion of the statement. "According to the investigation, some of the stolen items were kept for personal use, while others were sold online."
"Anything from personal items, there was some Louis Vuitton, clothing, those kinds of things," Det. Robert Katz of the Mesa Police Department said.
Luan Nguyen (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)
Local perspective:
"I was kind of in shock," said Tami Hummel, who lives in Mesa. "Like, did that really just happen?"
Hummel said her cameras caught him red-handed.
"I went and looked at my video, and it showed him grabbing it and running over to the side," Hummel said. "All my packages were gone, but he left the dog treats."
Despite taking precautions, Hummel still became a target.
"I have signs everywhere saying it's monitored 24 hours a day," Hummel said. "This guy was literally looking for packages to grab because they weren't even in sight."
What's next:
Mesa Police say Nguyen was booked into jail on charges of theft, trafficking in stolen property, and possession of dangerous drugs. All are felonies.
"The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to identify additional victims and determine whether Nguyen may be connected to other package theft incidents," a portion of the statement read.
"I mean, it's packages, but it's a big deal to people, and it makes people feel like they can't be safe in their own area, so I really hope they make him pay for it," Hummel said.
Mesa Police officials said once the packages recovered are no longer needed for the investigation, they can work with the victims to return the stolen property.
What you can do:
Mesa Police say those who believe they may have been a victim, as well as those who have information related to the thefts, should call Mesa Police at (480) 644-2211.
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from the Mesa Police Department, Tami Hummel, and Det. Robert Katz.