Tourists Warned Of Drive-By Robberies In Bali’s Top Resorts

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Police are urging tourists in Bali to be extremely cautious while driving mopeds and motorcycles on the island following the arrest of a phone snatcher in Ubud.

Bali Police arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with a series of drive-by phone robberies. 

The Police Chief of Gianyar, Kompol Gusti Nyoman Sudarsana, confirmed to reporters that a 16-year-old boy, known only by his initials LKR, was arrested in connection with a phone robbery.

According to Kompol Sudarsana the victims were a Ukrainian couple who were driving back to their accommodation just after midnight on the 26th February 2025 when their journey ended in disaster. 

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The victim, known by his installs OS, had places his iPhone 15 in a phone holder attached to the motorcycle handle bars. While driving along Jalan Gunung Sari in Peliatan Village, OS and his partner were overtaken by two thieves riding a motorbike.

The thief riding pillion lurched to swipe the phone from the holder as they drove past and sped away. OS is reported to have tried to chase the due but lost control when going down a steep and winding road. As a result, he and his girlfriend fell to the edge of a ravine near Villa Dua Sari.

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Kompol Sudarsana told reporters “Based on the results of the investigation, the perpetrator’s modus operandi was to forcibly seize the victim’s belongings while riding a motorbike. The motive for this crime is suspected to be economic factors.”

Police are now trying to track down the driver of the motorcycle, who has been nicknamed Wayan Punggit. 16 year old IKR has already been arrested several times on similar offences and has served three short jail sentences already. 

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IKR is believed to deliver the stolen iPhones to a 30-year-old Komang Ada from Karangaem Regency. Ada is now also under investigation by Bali Police after officers uncovered 17 stolen iPhones at his property. He now faces up to 7-years in prison. 

The Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Ubud Police Iptu I Kadek Patra and Head of Public Relations of Gianyar Police Iptu I Nyoman Tantra, told reporters “They were then taken out and sold whole or broken into pieces, the LCDs and batteries were taken from each part of the cellphone, usually for service.”

He added “We found all iPhones, no Androids. They targeted domestic and foreign tourists.”

Gianyar Police Chief AKBP Umar has invited victims who have been mugged in the Ubud area over the last few months to visit to the Ubud Police with proof of ownership of their device to establish if their item has been recovered. 

The advice to tourists and anyone driving a moped in Bali at any time of day or night is simple but important.

AKBP Umar concluded “Avoid putting valuables in places that are easily accessible to criminals. Always be vigilant and prioritize your safety.” It is highly advisable for drivers to stow their valuables in the storage compartment under their seat and be extremely mindful of their device when using GPS Maps to guide their journey.

Many driver opt to still put their device in a safe space and listen to directions through a single headphone so as to keep an auditory awareness of the road around them. 

Tourists in Bali who have become the victim of a crime, especially a theft, are implored to report the incident to police and security officials as quickly as possible.

Contrary to urban legend, Bali Police to take incidents of theft against tourists seriously and in many cases with quick reporting police units are able to mobilise and track down the criminals in question quickly, and most importantly recover the stolen items before they are transferred onwards, sold or dismantled.