The key facts

  • Bali police advise against wearing valuable jewelry, especially in sparsely populated areas after dark
  • Six people suspected of stealing from tourists have been detained; total damage is 291.3 million rupiah (about $16,000)
  • The robbers operate on motorcycles and may offer foreigners a ride

Bali police warned tourists about motorcycle robbers

Police on the Indonesian island of Bali urged tourists not to wear expensive or flashy jewelry while walking through popular tourist areas. This was reported by The Bali Times citing law enforcement. According to police, criminals usually approach tourists on motorcycles after dark, snatching necklaces, grabbing bags and speeding away; robbers may also offer foreigners a ride.

Arrests and recommendations

Police announced the arrest of six people suspected of stealing from tourists. The total damage from the crimes amounted to 291.3 million rupiah, equivalent to roughly $16,000. Officers advised visitors not to wear valuable jewelry while walking, especially in sparsely populated areas after dark, and to carry bags on their side so motorcyclists cannot snatch them. The recommendations apply primarily to behavior in the evening and at night in the island's tourist zones.

Context of other incidents on the island

Russian media had previously reported other incidents involving tourists in Bali: On October 30, it was reported that a boat carrying Russian tourists exploded on the island, and earlier in Bali a Russian woman was detainedfor offering intimate services. These episodes are mentioned in the publication as separate cases and are not connected to the series of robberies the police are warning about.