Boynton Beach police say a slick, tag-team pickpocket crew that zeroed in on elderly shoppers is now off the streets. Detectives allege two women ran a coordinated scheme in local stores, quietly slipping wallets out of purses as victims browsed, then quickly turning around and using the stolen cards at nearby retailers to scoop up gift cards and other merchandise.
According to Boca Raton Tribune, investigators arrested 59-year-old Mavis Johnson of West Palm Beach and 57-year-old Tammy Evans of Boynton Beach after a months-long probe. Detectives say Johnson leaned on elaborate disguises, including wigs and medical-style masks, while Evans waited as the getaway driver. Police report that the two used stolen credit cards at stores such as Target and Publix, often buying $100 gift cards. The operation came to a head Wednesday, investigators say, when surveillance teams and drones from the department’s real-time crime center tracked the suspects, and officers allegedly found Johnson carrying an original victim’s credit card when the pair was taken into custody.
Police response and local warnings
The department is now urging shoppers, especially seniors, to stay sharp and keep a close eye on handbags and payment cards while they move through crowded aisles and checkout lines. The Boynton Beach Police Department regularly posts scam alerts and safety tips on its website and asks anyone with information about similar incidents to report suspicious activity. Local outlets have documented a steady drumbeat of distraction and checkout scams hitting older customers in recent years, a trend that consumer advocates say has been tough to shake. One such warning was covered by WPTV in 2024.
Charges and custody
Both Johnson and Evans now face a stack of felony counts, including unlawful possession of a stolen credit card, criminal use of personal identification information, theft and a scheme to defraud a person over the age of 65, according to Boca Raton Tribune. The women were being held at the Palm Beach County Jail as detectives continue interviewing potential victims and chasing down related leads.
How shoppers can protect themselves…