Bali Police Confirm Arrest Of Thief Operating In Tourism Hotspot Kuta

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Police in Kuta have confirmed the arrest of a Balinese teenager who committed a violent robbery against tourists in the beach resort.

The 15-year-old, known by his initials as WPI, attacked an Indian family on Sunday, 30th March 2025.

The 15-year-old from Bali’s Karangasem Regency is reported to have driven up to the tourist couple as they walked along Jalan Pudak Sari.

The family were on their way back to their hotel after enjoying a meal at a local restaurant on Sunday evening along with their young child.

WPI is reported to have cornered the family and ripped a 42-gram gold necklace from around the woman’s neck. 

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The woman’s husband shouted for help, and a group of local residents ran to their aid and started chasing WPI. Local police were able to quickly track him down, along with his Honda PCX motorcycle.

A source told reporters “The suspect admitted to his actions in forcibly snatching the victim’s necklace. The plan was to sell the necklace and use the proceeds for daily needs. The perpetrator also admitted to having previously carried out four snatchings in the Kuta area.”

In light of a rise in the number of violent robberies and muggings in the Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak areas over the last few months, tourists in Bali have been issued updates safety advice.

In mid-February Bali Police confirmed the arrest of a Balinese man who had mugged a female tourist on Tegal Wangi Street the month prior. 

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Confirming the details of the incident to the press, the Chief of Police of Kuta, AKP Agus Riwayanto Diputra, explained, “The suspect forcibly pulled a gold necklace containing a 22-carat pendant weighing 6 grams worth AUD 360, which was worn by the victim until it broke off.”

The police were immediately called and an investigation was launched and were able to successfully locate the 20-year-old at a boarding house in Kuta.

AKP Diputra told reporters “The perpetrator was successfully secured, with evidence of clothing and motorcycle, the perpetrator with a fake license plate and IDR 100,000 in cash.”

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In his concluding statement AKP Diputra called for tourists to be extra viligent while walking in top tourism resorts, especially at night. He shared, “Tourists are urged to be careful, do not give the perpetrator a chance.” 

For many tourists, however, this advice is hard to hear. Tourists planning visits to Bali want to hear of a greater set of preventative measures being put in place to prioritize public safety.

Until 8th April 2025, tourists will see more security teams deployed across Bali as part of Operation Ketupat Agung 2025, which is a nationwide effort to prioritize public safety during the Lebaran holiday.

However, after the mission is completed and the additional security staff stand down, tourists are still left wondering whether they are safe to walk at night in destinations like Kuta. 

Bali Police do conduct regular patrols in the island’s top resort areas, however, it remains to be seen if the authorities will call for even more increased patrols of areas like Kuta, Legian and Seminyak in light of recent events. 

Tourists in Bali are advised to be mindful of what valuables they take out with them, especially when walking at night.

Based on the most recent reported robberies against tourists in resorts like Kuta, it is clear that thieves are targeting tourists who are wearing gold or silver jewelry, especially necklaces, as well as tourists who are carrying high-value tech items such as phones, and cameras.

Thieves are also looking for cash, wallets, and purses. 

Where possible, tourists should book a trusted taxi provider to travel within Bali’s top tourism resorts at night and be mindful of their surroundings at all times. In the event that tourists become victims of a crime, it is imperative that the incident is reported to the police as quickly as possible; seeking consular support is also advised.