BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Kuta Police have reiterated warnings to foreign tourists about the risk of phone snatching incidents, particularly those involving visitors who use smartphones for navigation while riding motorcycles in busy tourist areas.
Kuta Police Chief Agus Riwayanto Diputro said many reported cases involve foreign visitors who rely on mobile phones as GPS devices while driving, making them easy targets for street criminals. He added that wearing flashy jewelry can also attract unwanted attention.
“Most incidents occur when tourists use their phones as navigation tools while riding motorcycles. This creates opportunities for offenders,” Agus said on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
According to Agus, street crimes such as snatching, pickpocketing, and theft are not unique to Bali or Kuta. He noted that similar incidents also occur in major global tourist cities.
“Street crime is a global phenomenon and also happens in world tourism hubs such as Paris, London, and other international destinations. This is a shared challenge for tourism areas worldwide,” he explained.
To address the issue, Kuta Police are prioritizing preventive measures rather than relying solely on law enforcement actions. These efforts include strengthening community-based security systems and encouraging greater public participation.
Police are also intensifying coordination between the national police, traditional security units (pecalang), neighborhood patrols (linmas), hotel security teams, tourism site managers, local businesses, and surrounding communities to detect potential security threats early.
Agus emphasized that tourism and security are closely linked, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Kuta.
“Without a safe and stable security environment, both domestic and foreign tourists may reconsider spending their holidays in Bali. Maintaining security in tourism zones is a shared responsibility,” he said.
Authorities expressed optimism that continued collaboration between law enforcement, the tourism industry, and local communities will help keep Kuta safe and comfortable for visitors and preserve its reputation as a leading tourist destination in Bali.