Police say two alleged criminals were out to lunch

Not even a lunch break can diminish some officers' appetite for solving crimes, according to police.

West Whiteland Township Police Sgt. Martin J. Malloy said yesterday that two detectives were dining at the Cosi restaurant in Exton on Thursday when they noticed a woman using her foot to move a nearby diner's purse that had been placed on the floor.

Malloy said the woman, identified as Monica Boyott, 47, of Philadelphia, was eventually able to pick up the purse, remove two credit cards and some cash, and pass them to her companion, Hasan Hannah, 26, also of Philadelphia. The woman then returned the purse to the floor, and she and Hannah got up to leave, Malloy said.

The detectives wanted to ensure that the pair got their just desserts and took them into custody, Malloy said, adding that they were each charged with theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.- Kathleen Brady Shea