Tourists in Bali are being urged to prioritize safety, especially in top tourist destinations at night.
Security officers and police teams are conducting additional patrols to help keep everyone safe, but there are efforts tourists can make to minimize risk.
One of the most important calls for tourists in Bali right now is to report crime as soon as possible. There is something of an urban myth that crime against tourists in Bali is not taken seriously.
Nothing could be further from the truth. In many cases, when theft or other crimes against tourists have been reported, the perpetrators have been brought to justice quickly. In incidents of theft, items have been located and returned before they could be damaged or sold on.
Tourists are being urged to be mindful of one of the most frequent crimes in Bali: bag snatching. This is a crime committed often by opportunistic criminals, but also by those who target dimly lit areas in tourist resorts late at night. Thieves ride up to pedestrians and snatch their bags while catching them unawares.
In other cases they thieves grab things they can get their hands on quickly, including phones, wallets, and jewelry.
In most cases, these incidents happen to pedestrians, but increasingly, police are reporting that thieves are sidling up beside tourists who are driving mopeds late at night, targeting them while they are stopped at a red light, stuck in traffic, or driving slowly. These are all deeply distressing incidents for victims, as was the case earlier this week.
A Singaporean tourist was the victim of a snatching in Canggu at 11 pm on Sunday evening. The thief is reported to have been riding a Yamaha NMAX motorcycle and to have approached the tourist from behind, cornering him off the road. The thief is reported to have snatched the victim’s 24-gram gold necklace. The incident took place on Gang Anggrek, Canggu Village.
North Kuta Police Chief, Commissioner I Ketut Sukadana, confirmed the incident to reporters, saying, “The alleged perpetrator came from behind and immediately snatched the victim’s necklace, then fled at high speed.” He confirmed that the victim attempted to chase down the thief on this moped but fell, injuring his hands.
The 26-year-old tourist, known by his initials CHYH, quickly reported the incident to the North Kuta Police. PC Sukadana confirmed that North Kuta Police officers immediately went to the scene to conduct a crime scene investigation and gather statements from the victim and witnesses. Officers also reviewed CCTV footage along the attacker’s escape route.
It’s been confirmed that police found at least six CCTV points that allegedly recorded the attacker’s movements before and after the attack.
PC Sukadana: “The victim has filed an official report. We are still gathering evidence and examining CCTV footage to identify the perpetrator.”
Tourists who are driving or walking back to their accommodation at night are urged to keep their valuables out of sight and ideally keep all valuables in a safe in their room, villa, or at their accommodation. Tourists are encouraged to book taxis to travel at night in Bali, and if they must walk, stick to well-lit routes with people around.
Leaders in Bali are working to improve safety for both tourists and the wider local community, especially during this high travel season.
Last month, Bali’s Deputy Governor Nyoman Giri Prasta told reporters that safety for tourists is a top priority for the government. He shared, “Whatever the situation, whether at the global, regional, or national level, Bali must remain safe and inclusive.”
He called for a collective effort to improve safety in the top tourism resort area, bringing together all security forces on the island for a roll call event in Denpasar.
Deputy Governor Prasta told security teams, “With the synergy of the TNI, Polri, Pecalang, and the entire community, various potential problems can be anticipated so that Bali remains safe, comfortable, and conducive.”
In the event of an emergency, tourists can contact Bali Police on 110; English operators are available. If it is not possible to call, tourists should seek the support of the nearest pecalanag officers who are stationed across every village on the island, and who are first responders in emergencies and can coordinate access to police and emergency services.
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