United Kingdom police and crime minister, Diana Johnson purse stolen at crime prevention conference full of top police officers

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.”