Crime and Police Secretary Diana Johnson's handbag has been stolen while she meeting with senior officers to discuss the situation with thefts and in particular those from shops, news.sky.com reported.
It happened during the Association of Chief Constables Annual Conference in Kenilworth in the West Midlands.
Speaking at the event, Diana Johnson said the UK was “struck by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, robberies and shoplifting”.
She later discovered that her belongings had been stolen.
Warwickshire Police have confirmed that officers are investigating a report of a bag being stolen from the hotel used for the conference between 11am and 1.15pm on Tuesday.
It is understood that a 56-year-old man from Coventry has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and has since been released on bail pending inquiries.