BADUNG, Bali — Indonesian police have warned tourists to remain vigilant while visiting North Kuta district in Bali’s Badung regency, following a surge in thefts involving suspects posing as ride-hailing motorcycle drivers, local authorities said on Friday.

North Kuta police chief AKP I Ketut Agus Pasek Sudina said the perpetrators typically target foreign tourists who are intoxicated after leaving nightclubs and entertainment venues.

“They take advantage of the victims’ carelessness. Many foreign tourists are drunk at night and neglect their belongings. The crimes happen because there is an opportunity,” Agus Pasek told reporters at the Badung police headquarters.

The suspects often wear jackets resembling those used by ride-hailing drivers to deceive victims, police said. However, investigations found that many of them were not registered with any ride-hailing platform, while some deliberately turned off their applications.

According to police, the suspects loiter around nightlife areas and follow intoxicated foreign tourists who are walking on foot. They pretend to offer transport services before snatching valuables when the victims are off guard.

“From CCTV footage, most of them were wearing ride-hailing jackets, which can easily be purchased anywhere,” Agus Pasek said.

Police in Polsek Kuta Utara have arrested 16 suspects since December 2025 through mid-January 2026 in connection with theft cases using the impersonation tactic. Three of the suspects were women, while the rest were men.

Since Jan. 1, 2026, six foreign nationals have filed theft reports with the North Kuta police, Agus Pasek said.

Authorities have stepped up patrols and coordinated with traditional village security units to routinely check the identities of individuals claiming to be ride-hailing drivers in the area, he added.

“We want to minimise these incidents and deter fake drivers from committing crimes,” Agus Pasek said.