The UK Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention, Diana Johnson, had her purse stolen during a conference for senior police officers in Warwickshire.
Johnson was addressing the Police Superintendents’ Association on Tuesday when the incident occurred at a hotel near Kenilworth. In her speech, she highlighted the UK’s “epidemic of antisocial behaviour, theft, and shoplifting,” which she described as a crisis gripping towns and cities.
Warwickshire Police confirmed the theft and announced that a 56-year-old man from Coventry had been arrested on suspicion of burglary. He has since been released on bail while investigations continue.
A Home Office source confirmed the theft after the news was first reported by the Financial Times.
During her speech, Johnson emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring law and order on Britain’s streets and rebuilding respect for the police, saying:
“Too many town centres and high streets across the country have been gripped by an epidemic of antisocial 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 antisocial behaviour who feel that when they call the police, no one listens, no one comes, and nothing is done.”
After the conference, Johnson shared her thoughts on social media, praising the dedication of police superintendents. However, she made no mention of the stolen purse, instead focusing on her goals to tackle crime and restore neighbourhood policing. She posted:
“We have a mission to tackle serious crime, antisocial behaviour, and restore neighbourhood policing. What I’ve seen in my short time in this role has given me renewed confidence that we’ll succeed.”
Labour has pledged to combat crime by recruiting 3,000 additional police officers and 4,000 Police Community Support Officers. However, the government has faced backlash for its early release of over 1,700 prisoners due to prison overcrowding, which the Ministry of Justice warns has brought the system to the “point of collapse.”
Warwickshire Police confirmed the incident occurred between 11:00 and 13:15 on Tuesday and assured that inquiries are ongoing. The Police Superintendents’ Association declined to comment on the active investigation.
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Opeoluwa Benson – Content Researcher
