Bali Police Apprehend Thief Targeting Tourists in Sanur Resort

Sanur, Bali – Police in Bali have successfully arrested a man accused of robbing a tourist in the popular coastal resort of Sanur. The suspect, 51-year-old ALW, originally from Makassar, was apprehended on June 1, following an incident where he snatched a gold necklace from a British visitor.

Incident Overview

The theft occurred on Saturday, May 24, around 3:30 PM, on Jalan Bumi Ayu, a busy street in Sanur. The victim, identified by her initials JSL, a 65-year-old British woman, was enjoying her vacation when the robber approached her on a motorcycle. According to reports, ALW cornered the tourist before forcefully pulling her gold necklace from her neck, breaking the chain and driving off with the stolen item.

Head of Public Relations of the Denpasar Police, AKP I Ketut Sukadi, detailed that after the incident, JSL opted to report the crime to the South Denpasar Police rather than pursue her assailant. "The victim was unable to chase the perpetrator at that time," Sukadi stated.

Police Investigation and Arrest

Upon receiving the report, the South Denpasar Police Operations Team launched a prompt investigation. They gathered evidence from the crime scene and began tracking ALW’s movements, leading to his arrest at a boarding house on Jalan Teuku Umar in West Denpasar about a week later, at 7 AM on June 1. During the arrest, police recovered several pieces of evidence including the motorcycle allegedly used during the robbery, the clothes worn by ALW at the time of the crime, and a gold sales receipt along with the stolen necklace.

According to Sukadi, “The suspect admitted to the crime and corroborated the victim’s police report.” ALW reportedly confessed that he intended to sell the necklace to cover his child’s school fees.

Rising Concerns and Safety Measures

Sanur, known for its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and relaxed village charm, historically sees high rates of return visitors. Tourist safety is paramount to local businesses, as highlighted by Ida Bagus Gede Agung Sidharta Putra, owner of the Griya Santrian Hotel, who noted that "around 60% of our guests are repeat guests."

However, recent incidents of crime, including this theft, have prompted local authorities to enhance security measures. Bali’s provincial government is focused on combatting increasing crime rates, specifically targeting thefts and violence against tourists.

In response to escalating concerns, Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster announced the formation of the Anti-Thug team, which will specifically address crimes against tourists in various regions, including Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua.

AKBP Arif Batubara, part of the police initiative, expressed the urgency of the situation: "The actions of thuggery in Indonesia are currently a special concern… associated with violence, robbery, and other types of violence."

Conclusion

As Bali strives to maintain its reputation as a premier tourist destination, the recent theft and subsequent arrest serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring visitor safety. With authorities actively responding to incidents of crime, stakeholders hope to reinforce the trust of locals and tourists alike, ensuring that the picturesque streets of Sanur continue to welcome travelers from around the globe.