Hull MP and policing minister Diana Johnson has bag stolen at police conference

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson talks with Humberside Police officers after the Hull riot at Melton Police Station
-Credit: (Image: Donna Clifford)


A man has been arrested after Dame Diana Johnson had her belongings stolen at an annual policing conference.

The Hull North and Cottingham MP was delivering a speech at the Police Superintendents Association's (PSA) Conference on Tuesday, where she highlighted the urgent need for change in communities grappling with a crime "epidemic". She pointed out that town centres were plagued by "anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting" and announced the introduction of specialist neighbourhood policing training.

However, it has since come to light that Dame Diana, who serves as the Minister of State for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention, had her personal items stolen at the event. The conference took place at the four-star Chesford Grange hotel in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

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The Home Office confirmed that she had been a victim of theft and Warwickshire Police are currently investigating the incident, reports the Mirror.

In her address, Dame Diana unveiled plans to provide thousands of police officers with specialist training to combat anti-social behaviour following a "decade of decline". 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."

In a statement, 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 11.00-13.15 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."

Addressing the conference, PSA President Nick Smart highlighted issues in the police service, which he says has been "financially drowning for more than a decade". He said: "Simply put - There are not enough police officers to deal with the demand we face," and added: "There has been a chronic under-investment in policing for years and this must change."

He praised the police's handling of the widespread disorder that erupted across the country this summer but underscored the issue of insufficient resources and overstretched forces. On Thursday, Humberside Police said 29 offenders had been brought before the courts following the disorder in Hull on August 3, with 51 charged and more awaiting court appearances.

Mr Smart also took aim at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who stated during the unrest around the country that a "standing army of specialist public duty officers" was on hand. However, Mr Smart said: "Let's be clear. There were never any 'extra' police officers. There was no standing army of officers, waiting and ready on the sidelines. There is no 'box of riot cops' to break out."