Bali officials warn tourists of crime as security ramps up across the island

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” a...