Dame Diana Johnson, the UK’s Minister of State for Policing, Fire, and Crime Prevention, had her purse stolen during a police conference, the BBC reports.
The minister was reported to be speaking at the Police Superintendents’ Association conference on Tuesday about the mounting problems of antisocial behaviour, theft, and shoplifting when her handbag was stolen.
According to the Mirror UK, the robbery took place at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, which hosted the conference.
The Home Office confirmed that the minister was a victim of theft, and Warwickshire Police are investigating the incident, according to The Mirror.
A 56-year-old man from Coventry has also been apprehended on suspicion of burglary and released on bail in connection to the incident, Warwickshire Police said.
A spokesman from Warwickshire Police 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 and 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.”
The Home Office has mentioned that no security risks were identified in connection with the theft.
