Tourists Warned To Be Extra Cautious In This Popular Bali Resort 

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Legian is one of the most famous beachside resorts in Bali. Nestled between classic Kuta and ever-trendy Seminyak, Legian offers tourists access to a little bit of everything that makes Bali such a fantastic vacation destination: sunshine, beaches, great accommodations, and awesome nightlife. 

But in recent weeks police have reported a surge in attacks against tourists in the area. Robberies and mugging attacks against visitors in Legian have been on the rise and police have assured the public that they are monitoring the situation closely. 

Speaking to the press on Monday 9th October, the Head of Legian Village, Ni Putu Eka Martini, confirmed that there are now 24-hour patrols happening in Legian to help keep tourists and local residents safe.

A security team, comprised of local pecalang officers and police teams, has been deployed onto the streets.

The security unit known locally as the Kancil Team will be working to track potential criminals and respond to any reports of suspicious activities or attacks. 

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Martini told reporters, “We have started patrolling again because this is also responding to various incidents and reports from a number of accommodations claiming that guests were victims of mugging.”

He added that the Kancil Team is made up of eight people who are working in three shifts over each 24-hour period. The team will be patrolling on motorbikes and will be focusing on Jalan Legian, Jalan Padma, and Jalan Popies. 

While these are the main focus area of the patrols, the team will be conducting surveillance throughout Legian.

Martini confirmed, “The frequent locations are in two locations [for robberies] are Jalan Legian and Jalan Padma. But, for patrols of course throughout the Legian area, including at points that are busy with tourists, such as Jalan Sahadewa, Jalan Werkudara, and surrounding roads.”

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Martini concluded The hope is that this team can prevent muggings so that the Legian area can be safe again.”

This is not the first time the Kancil Team has had to be deployed; last year, the security team was tasked with stamping out crime in the area.

Their presence in the area was sufficient to deter criminals to the point where 24-hour patrols were halted in place of a reduced schedule.

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The 24-hour patrols will remain in operation until the authorities feel the criminals have all been caught or fled the area. 

Any tourist anywhere in Bali, but especially Legain, who is the victim of a mugging or robbery must report the incident to the police, either directly or with the help of their accommodation.

In most cases, the police are able to track down the criminals in question and stolen items have been returned.

The criminals in the Legian area have tended to focus on drive-by robberies whereby they snatch a bag, or easily accessible valuable items like phones while driving past the victim on a motorcycle.

Tourists are urged to keep their valuables out of sight and where possible get from point A to point B via a taxi especially at night and especially if under the influence of alcohol.

Some reporters of muggings in the Legian area over the years have come from tourists who were targeted due to their vulnerability while drunk.  

All this noted, Bali remains one of the safest travel destinations in the world.

This rise in robbery cases in Legian has been conducted by criminals who are interested in stealing valuable items and there have been no reports of violence against tourists. 

As the end of the year approaches and Bali continues to enact a zero-tolerance approach on crime against tourists and bad behavior by tourists themselves, visitors on the island can expect to see more police, civil service officers, and tourism task force teams out on the streets. 

Officers up in Ubud have confirmed that they are increasing patrols in the area to help promote a greater sense of security for the community and visitors.