An Australian tourist had approximately AU$17,000 worth of gold necklaces stolen from his neck by a thief on a motorbike in Bali. The incident occurred on Friday, August 21, around 8:48 p.m. on Werkudara street in Legian, Kuta, as the 68-year-old man and his wife were walking back to their hotel after dinner.
Security camera footage shows a motorbike rider slowing down beside the couple. Without fully stopping, the rider reached out and snatched the two gold necklaces, weighing 25 and 50 grams, from the man's neck before speeding away. The couple were left dazed by the sudden attack.
The Kuta Police's Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating the theft. Investigators have visited the crime scene, interviewed the victim and witnesses, and reviewed CCTV footage. A police spokesperson stated that efforts are underway to locate the stolen jewelry.
This incident aligns with warnings from locals and travel influencers about a rise in snatch-and-grab crimes in Bali, particularly targeting jewelry and phones. Travel influencer Samantha, who regularly shares information about Bali, noted in July that necklace and phone snatching had become a significant problem on the island, with local friends expressing concern.
Samantha advised tourists to keep valuables hidden while walking outside and to carry phones in handbags. She also recommended positioning oneself on the side of the footpath furthest from the road to deter opportunistic thieves on motorbikes.
Australian government travel advice for Indonesia, issued through Smartraveller, urges visitors to "exercise a high degree of caution." The advisory warns of potential theft, robbery, pickpocketing, and bag or phone snatching, which can sometimes involve violence. It specifically cautions travelers about thieves on motorcycles in various locations, including busy streets, traffic lights, crowded public transport, and when entering or leaving accommodation. Smartraveller advises keeping valuables out of sight and walking on footpaths away from the curb when possible.