It was if it had been choreographed to illustrate the phenomenon: Britain’s police and crime minister had her bag stolen while attending a police conference where she spoke on the problem of theft.
Dame Diana Johnson was at the Police Superintendents’ Association conference in a hotel in Kenilworth, central England. In her speech, she lamented how stealing was “corroding” communities.
However, she became a victim of theft herself when her bag was taken from the Chesford Grange Hotel on Tuesday.
Dame Diana said in her speech: “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.”
The theft happened the same day that ministers released around 1,700 prisoners early to free up cells.
Pictures showed jubilant inmates walking out of several prisons. Some popped open bottles of champagne while others lit up joints in full view of police.
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 11am and 1.15pm 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 declined to comment.
