Police in Bali have confirmed that they have increased night patrols in South Kuta to help protect the community and tourists.
The increased patrols come after reports of illegal motorcycle racing and drive-by robberies in the area.
Over the weekend South Kuta Police conducted a series of nighttime patrols as a preventive measure against street crime, illegal racing, and the use of noisy exhausts that often disturb residents. The noisy exhausts are known in Indonesia as ‘brong’.
The patrols we led by South Kuta Police Chief AKP I Komang Agus Dharmayana W, who was joined by four teams and a fleet of patrol vehicles. The patrols focused on strategic points including Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Jalan Raya Uluwatu, and the entrance area of the Ngurah Rai Toll Gate.
AKP Agus Dharmayana told reporters that illegal street racing in South Kuta is often worse over the weekends. He explained “This activity is a form of our commitment to maintaining public security, especially on weekends which are often times prone to crime and illegal racing. With this patrol, we ensure that the situation remains conducive.”
Over the last three months, police officials in Bali have been issuing updated safety advice to tourists after reports of robberies in the area. On Friday 14th March police were able to reveal more details about a drive-by robbery on a tourist that took place on 20th February 2205.
Two local men are reported to have attacked the 52-year-old Indian woman, known by her initials UMG, at 11.30 pm on Sunset Road. The thieves violently ripped her necklace from around her neck as she was walking back to her accommodation following a dinner reservation.
Due to the prompt reporting of the incident police were able to respond quickly and apprehended one of the criminals, known as 29-year-old KD from Bali.
The Head of Public Relations of the Denpasar Police, AKP I Ketut Sukadi, told reporters “After the incident, the victim made a police report to the Kuta Police. The victim admitted that there were two perpetrators. The perpetrator who forcibly pulled her necklace was [described as] thin.”
Upon receiving the report from UMG the Kuta Police Criminal Investigation Unit led by Head of Criminal Investigation Unit Ipda I Putu Santhi Adnyana immediately conducted an investigation. While KD remains in police custody, police are still searching for the other man involved in the incident.
Speaking separately Kuta Police Criminal Investigation Unit led by Head of Criminal Investigation Unit Ipda I Putu Santhi Adnyana, explained “We arrested the suspect in the Sunset Road area, Kuta, Badung.”
Adding “The suspect and evidence are now secured at the Kuta Police Station. The evidence currently secured is a Yamaha NMax motorbike used during the action, a helmet, shirt, pants, and shoes.”
Sadly this kind of drive-by robbery is a frequent occurrence in the Badung Regency area, with at least one report of such an incident hitting headlines every month. Many more may go unreported as tourists are unsure as to how to report such situations.
Following a drive-by robbery in early January on Tegal Wangi Street in the vacation resort of Kuta, Bali Police urged tourists to be mindful of their belongings, reconsider wearing expensive jewelry while exploring the resort, and consider booking a taxi back to their accommodation late at night.
In a press statement following the incident, 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.”
However, once again, due to the prompt reporting of the crime to the police, officers were able to trace the criminal back to his boarding house. AKP Diputra confirmed, “The perpetrator was successfully secured, with evidence of clothing and motorcycle, the perpetrator with a fake license plate and IDR 100,000 in cash.”
In the event of a crime, tourists should call the Indonesian Main Emergency Number 112, or Police on 110. Tourist Police Kuta can be contacted on +62 361 784 5988.
If in doubt or there is a language barrier, tourists should seek the assistance of their accommodation provider or consulate.
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