As a tourist hotspot, Bali is incredibly safe. It goes without saying, however, that crime does still occur. From cracking down on scams to tackling serious crime, Bali Police and security agencies work around the clock to keep the island safe for local residents and tourists.
Bali Police have confirmed that they are investigating a robbery that took place in a tourist villa in Tibubeneng Village in the resort area known as Canggu.
The incident took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, 31st March 2025, and a number of high-value items belonging to an Australian citizen known by their initials MARCS, aged 39. The stolen items included a laptop and an iPhone 7, together estimated at IDR 25 million.
Speaking to reporters, Head of the Public Relations Sub-division of the Badung Police, First Inspector Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti, said the victim was not at the villa at the time of the incident.
The tourist is believed to have returned to the property about an hour after the robbery. Inastuti explained, “Upon arriving at the villa, the victim found that the laptop and cellphone were gone.”
CCTV footage from the scene shows that the thief was wearing a green hat, a medical mask, dark clothing, and jeans. The man can be seen prying the bedroom door open with a crowbar, then entering the villa and taking the victim’s belongings.
The thief immediately left the vicinity. The tourist contacted local police as soon as possible, and North Kuta Police officers immediately arrived at the villa, gathered information, and reviewed CCTV footage to identify the perpetrator. Inastuti concluded, “Our officers in the field are still investigating.
Tourists must be aware that both organized and opportunistic thieves operate in Bali’s top tourism resort areas. Villas are a primary target for robberies, and tourists are advised to keep belongings locked in a safe and ask their host directly what security measures should be adhered to during their stay.
It is important for tourists to always double-check that they have closed and locked all windows and doors when leaving their accommodations; it’s so easy to forget when enjoying a relaxing vacation! Tourists should also ensure they have fully comprehensive travel insurance before traveling to Bali, including coverage for valuable items such as tech, cash, and passports.
Above all else, in the event of an emergency, tourists must contact the police as quickly as possible. If it is not possible to contact the police personally (e.g., a phone has been stolen), tourists should seek the support of a local pecalang officer, who is stationed throughout villages and tourism hubs, or their accommodation host.
Contrary to rumor, Bali Police do take reports of crime seriously and follow up on reports of robbery and assaults. In many cases, following quick reporting, Bali Police can promptly track down criminals and bring them to justice, as well as recover stolen belongings. Bali Police can be reached on 110.
The Bali Sun Traveler Safety Index is currently sitting at 82/100. This is a strong, stable reading and shows that tourists in Bali are feeling safe and unaffected by crime. Since the index was launched, by far the most common issue reported by real tourists in Bali has been scams, something that leaders have been working to crack down on.
The most common scam in Bali is the money changer scam, where tellers quickly swipe cash under the counter when counting out currency exchange.
✅ VOTE RECORDED
Tourists can mitigate the risk by changing only at registered money changers. It is easier than ever for tourists to find a legal money changer, and Bank Indonesia Bali has just launched an information portal, moneychangerbali.com.
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