The UK’s Minister of State for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson, was a victim of theft when her purse was stolen during a policing conference, the BBC reports on Thursday.
The minister was said to be speaking at the Police Superintendents’ Association conference on Tuesday about the growing problems of antisocial behaviour, theft and shoplifting when her purse was stolen.
The Mirror UK reports that the theft occurred at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, where the conference was held.
The Home Office has confirmed that the minister was a victim of theft, and Warwickshire Police have launched an investigation into the incident, according to The Mirror.
A 56-year-old man from Coventry has also been arrested on suspicion of burglary and released on bail in connection to the incident, Warwickshire Police said.
A spokesman from Warwickshire Police stated, “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.”
The Home Office has stated that no security risks were identified in connection with the theft.