Two men were arrested for allegedly stealing a woman's unattended purse on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, police said.
But what the men did not know was the woman who seemed too preoccupied to notice the purse she left on a bench was actually an undercover officer.
Nearby watching were more plainclothes officers, Capt. Kevin Fair said.
The operation was targeting those who steal purses, he explained.
Eddie Taylor, 43, of Brooklyn, allegedly tried to use a jacket to conceal the purse before trying to walk away.
In a separate attempt, Jorge Villafane Sr., 61, of Newfield, Gloucester County, just picked up the purse and walked away, according to the report.
Both me were charged with theft, and found to have active warrants for their arrests, Fair said.
They are in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
