England: Crime minister’s handbag stolen at policing conference

Dame Diana Johnson delivered a speech at the annual Police Superintendents’ Conference on Tuesday detailing how the UK government plans to improve neighbourhood policing.

In her speech, she said that the UK has been “gripped by an epidemic of antisocial behaviour, theft and shoplifting, which is corroding our communities and cannot be allowed to continue”.

Warwickshire Police said it is investigating the reported theft at the four-star hotel.

It said in a statement: “The theft occurred some time between 11.00-13.15 on Tuesday. Inquiries are ongoing. A 56-year-old man, from Coventry, has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and has since been released on bail while inquiries continue.”

Security minister Dan Jarvis told broadcasters: “Well, this is now subject to a live police inquiry, so there isn’t much that I can say, but it is a timely reminder that anyone could be subject to criminal activity.

“That’s why the government has a safer streets mission. That’s why we’re working in this department, the Home Office, to do everything that we possibly can to prevent crime.”