Bali continues to thrive as a popular destination with just over a million tourists visiting in March this year alone — a 10.50 per cent increase on the same month last year.
The island hotspot saw 130,720 Aussies visit during that month, according to Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
And with the destination’s visitor numbers on the rise, coupled with the current peak travel season, officials have reminded tourists to be mindful of thefts as it ramps up street security patrols and surveillance of crime-prone areas across the province.
According to local media, bag snatchings are among the most common incidents of theft against tourists.
Thieves reportedly drive motor vehicles around areas where tourists are known to walk at night and strike at an opportunistic moment.
It comes after a female tourist who was mugged in the coastal hotspot Uluwatu, close to Bingin Beach.
CCTV footage shows the woman walking alone in Pecatu Village on the evening June 28 before she is approached by a man on a motorcycle who sidles up from behind and snatches her bag, according to The Bali Sun.
The thief allegedly pulls the woman to the floor before stealing her bag and hopping back on the bike, and speeding away.
“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.”
The head of the Public Relations Section of Denpasar Police, Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, said.
Tourists are advised to travel by taxi where possible at night and to leave valuables securely at their accommodation.
Samantha, an Aussie content creator who regularly posts Bali travel content, has warned that thefts are “really bad” at the moment.
“If you’re coming to Bali anytime soon there is one thing you need be aware of,” she began the clip.
She said while the island is her “favourite place of planet” with “so much to offer”, the one thing “causing many problems” at the moment is phone and jewellery snatchings.
“It’s really, really bad at the moment, I am not going to lie,” Samantha, who lives in Bali. warned.
“I’ve had so many of my local friends warn me.”
She explained after getting a massage at night in Seminyak recently, a staffer asked her if she was planning on walking home, to which Samantha responded, yes.
“She’s like ‘not a good idea’,” adding the phone snatching and necklace pulling (from around the neck) has been “really, really bad”.
Samantha explained two friends had their necklaces pulled off from their necks in Canggu, while another had her phone snatched from her hand while walking along the footpath.
“If you’re walking along the side of the road I recommend having [your phone] in your bag but not having your bag roadside,” she advised.
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“So having it on the opposite arm and if you have a chain, tucking it in (your clothes) and not having it visible.
“It’s such a shame this is happening and a lot of it are not locals – it’s people that have come over committing these crimes.”
She warned Aussies it’s something be weary before visiting the hotspot, adding “there’s nothing worse than not having your phone in Bali”.
According to The Bali Sun, police and security teams are aware of the thefts and are working to crack down on crimes against tourists across the board.
Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, said travel insurance can cover you for a stolen phone or wallet, but that won’t always be the case with cheaper policies, “so check the terms carefully before signing up”.
“Once you have found suitable insurance, make sure you store your policy details somewhere other than your phone – get a printout and leave details with family,” Mr Kidman told news.com.au.
“And make sure you report the theft to local police and keep notes of when and where you did that.”
Tourists can report a crime or contact the emergency services in Bali on 110. Switchboard operators are available in English.
