KLUNGKUNG, Bali – A British man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a French tourist’s bag at a bar in Bali’s Nusa Penida before fleeing into nearby hills, police said.

The suspect, identified by the initials MAO, 26, was apprehended by officers from the Nusa Penida Police’s Jalak Nusa unit following a search operation in the Bukit Tinggar area on Sunday.

According to Nusa Penida Police Chief Commissioner I Ketut Kesuma Jaya, the incident occurred at Drift Bar in Banjar Nyuh, Ped Village, at around 3 a.m. on July 12, when the venue was crowded with visitors.

Police said the suspect allegedly took advantage of the busy atmosphere by searching through the victim’s bag and taking several valuables without being noticed.

The victim, a 52-year-old French national identified by the initials WLL, only realized something was wrong after receiving a notification of an unauthorized credit card transaction. He then checked his belongings, discovered several items were missing, and reported the incident to Nusa Penida Police at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Officers immediately launched an investigation and determined that the suspect was still on Nusa Penida.

“The suspect attempted to flee into the hills. Our officers carried out an intensive search in the Bukit Tinggar area and successfully apprehended him after locating his hiding place,” Kesuma Jaya said on Monday.

Police recovered several items believed to have been stolen from the victim, including Rp719,000 in cash, an iPhone 8, a power bank, a charger, a lighter, and a shoulder bag.

The British national is being held at Nusa Penida Police Station, where detectives from the Criminal Investigation Unit are continuing their investigation.

Kesuma Jaya said the swift arrest reflects police’s commitment to maintaining public safety in one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations.

“We are committed to responding professionally to every report we receive in order to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors in Nusa Penida,” he said.

Police also urged locals and tourists to remain vigilant with their personal belongings, particularly while visiting bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. Anyone who experiences or witnesses a crime is encouraged to contact Indonesia’s 110 police emergency hotline immediately.