DENPASAR, Bali — Police in Bali are urging tourists to avoid wearing expensive or eye-catching jewelry while walking through popular tourist areas following a series of motorcycle snatchings targeting foreign visitors in Kuta and Sanur.

The warning came on Saturday, November 7, as Denpasar Police announced the arrests of six suspects linked to separate robberies in Kuta, where foreign tourists reportedly lost jewelry, cash and other valuables worth a combined Rp291.3 million.

Denpasar Deputy Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner I Ketut Widiarta said tourists should take extra precautions, particularly when walking at night or carrying bags close to the roadside.

Police said thieves often approach their victims on motorcycles, grab necklaces or handbags, and escape before the victims can react.

Officers have also warned visitors about thieves who offer rides before attempting to steal their belongings.

Six Suspects Arrested in Kuta

Police said the six suspects were linked to separate street thefts involving tourists from India, Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Russia.

Four of those arrested are adults, while two are teenagers aged 15 and 17. Their identities have been withheld because they are minors.

According to Widiarta, most of the attacks occurred at night, although some took place during the day when the suspects saw an opportunity.

The victims were generally walking along roads in tourist areas when motorcyclists approached and forcibly grabbed their belongings.

Police said the stolen necklaces were valued at between Rp28 million and Rp90 million, while one handbag theft involved cash and other valuables worth approximately Rp13 million.

The combined losses from the cases reached Rp291.3 million.

Investigators recovered motorcycles, clothing and other items believed to have been used in the alleged offenses.

Police have not described the six suspects as members of a single organized criminal network, although the incidents involved similar methods.

Suspect in Italian Tourist Attack Also Arrested

In a separate case, police have arrested a 22-year-old man suspected of attempting to steal a bag from an Italian woman cycling in Sanur on November 5.

The woman, identified as Morena, fell from her bicycle when a motorcyclist tried to grab a bag from its front basket. She managed to keep her belongings but suffered injuries to her head, nose and arm.

The incident was captured on CCTV and circulated widely on social media.

Police said the suspect was arrested in Denpasar following the attack. During questioning, he allegedly admitted involvement in five attempted or completed snatchings targeting foreign visitors in Sanur since September.

Investigators said three of those attempts were successful, involving two British nationals and a Swedish visitor, while two others failed.

The Sanur arrest was announced separately from the six suspects linked to the Kuta cases.

Police Issue Safety Advice for Visitors

Widiarta advised tourists and residents to avoid displaying valuable jewelry while walking, particularly in quiet areas after dark.

He also recommended carrying handbags on the side of the body away from passing traffic, making it harder for motorcyclists to grab them.

Visitors were encouraged to use legitimate transport services rather than accepting unsolicited rides from strangers.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses a crime can contact Indonesia’s police emergency number, 110, or report the incident to the nearest police station.

Police said patrols and investigations would continue in tourism areas where street thefts have been reported.

The arrests remain subject to legal proceedings, and the suspects have not been found guilty by a court.