UK’s police and crime minister has purse stolen at conference full of top cops

The UK’s police and crime minister had her purse stolen – at an annual conference attended by some of the nation’s top police officers.

Dame Diana Johnson gave a speech to the Police Superintendents’ Association conference on Tuesday warning of an “epidemic of antisocial behaviour, theft and shoplifting” that the Labour government had inherited from the Conservatives.

A 56-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft of a purse at the four-star hotel outside Kenilworth in the Midlands where the event was held, Warwickshire Police has said.

Dame Diana is the MP for Kingston-upon-Hull.

She has served as Minister of State for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention since July 2024.

During her speech she said: “Too many town centres and high streets across the country have been gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting, which is corroding our communities and cannot be allowed to continue.

“There are thousands of incredible police officers and support staff doing an admirable job.

“But we do have to face the reality that there are still too many victims of anti-social behaviour who feel that when they call the police, no one listens, no one comes and nothing is done.

“Our neighbourhoods and police forces have suffered enough after a decade of decline, and this government will help restore neighbourhood policing, with skilled, resilient and dedicated local cops.”

She added: “We must rebuild these bonds of trust and respect between the police and local communities that have always been so central to our proud British tradition of policing by consent.

“That’s why we will implement a new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, restoring patrols to town centres, recruiting thousands of additional police personnel, and ensuring every community has a named local police officer to turn to.”

Dame Diana visited Hull after the works recently to speak to Chief Constable Judi Heaton.

Warwickshire Police has not confirmed the identity of the victim.

However, a spokesman said: “We’re investigating a report of the theft of a purse at a hotel on the B4115 in Kenilworth.

“The theft occurred some time between 11.00-13.15 on Tuesday.

“Enquiries are ongoing.

“A 56-year-old man from Coventry has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.”