Safety is a top priority for tourists traveling in 2026. Since Bali is in the middle of the peak travel season, security teams have been increasing patrols and surveillance of crime-prone areas across the province.
However, some opportunistic thieves have been slipping through the cracks.
Over the weekend, CCTV footage emerged of an international tourist who was mugged in Uluwatu, close to Bingin Beach. In the footage, the woman can be seen walking alone in Pecatu Village on the evening of 28th June 2026.
The woman is approached by a man on a motorcycle who sidles up from behind and snatches her bag.
The thief actually pulled the woman to the floor as he stole her bag and sped away. The Head of the Public Relations Section of Denpasar Police, Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, has confirmed the case and spoke to reporters on Monday morning.
He explained, “The South Kuta Police have moved quickly by deploying a complete small unit team (UKL) to conduct inspections at the crime scene (TKP) and gather initial information in the field.”
He revealed that the woman in question has not yet filed a report with the police, and she is being called to do so. Jaya explained, “Until now, the police have not received an official report from the victim, so the investigation process is still starting with checking the location and gathering information.”
He concluded, “We urge victims or anyone who has direct knowledge of the incident to immediately report it to the South Kuta Police or the nearest police station.”
Tourists can report a crime or contact the emergency services in Bali on 110. Switchboard operators are available in English.
Alternatively, tourists can visit their nearest police station. Tourists and foreigners in Bali are urged to report incidents of crime as soon as possible.
When police are informed quickly, especially in the case of theft, criminals are more likely to be tracked and caught, brought to justice, and items are returned before they are sold on.
Bag snatchings in Bali are amongst the most common incidents of theft against tourists. Thieves will drive motor vehicles around areas where tourists are known to walk at night and strike at an opportunistic moment.
Tourists are advised to travel by taxi where possible at night and to leave valuables securely at their accommodation.
Although not uncommon, the number of incidents against tourists feels like it is decreasing. Here at The Bali Sun, once upon a time, we were reporting on bag snatchings every couple of days.
While it is hugely distressing for victims and horrifying that it still happens, police and security teams are aware of it happening and are working to crack down on crimes against tourists across the board.
Only last week did Bali’s Deputy Governor Nyoman Giri Prasta speak to reporters about how public security and order, referred to as kamtibmas, are the main pillars of the sustainability of Bali’s tourism sector.
He called for a cooperative approach this peak travel season to help keep tourists safe.
Deputy Governor Prasta explained how police, the army, and local traditional village security officers known as Pecalang must work together to ensure Bali is safe and comfortable for local communities and for tourists.
He shares, “Whatever the situation, whether at the global, regional, or national level, Bali must remain safe and inclusive.” Adding “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.”
It is good for tourists to know that in the event of an emergency in Bali, if it is not possible to call the police, or there is no time to wait for assistance, the Pecalang are stationed throughout every community and are only ever a few steps away.
They are first responders, and as Bali Police Chief Inspector General told reporters last week, “Pecalang is a legacy of Balinese local wisdom that was born, grew, and took root directly within the indigenous community.”
“They are a vital part of the security and public order (kamtibmas) belt, possessing early detection skills, persuasive approaches, and cultural problem-solving.”
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