The increase in crimes of theft, scams, as well as bags and cellphones snatching in the Seminyak area, which explicitly target tourists, has forced the Bali police to be alert by actively patrolling the area around Seminyak Beach.
The whole Seminyak neighbourhood, which stretches from Double Six Beach to Petitenget Beach, has been patrolled by Bali police.
Officers are present to help tourists in every way they can and inform them how to stay safe during their trip to Bali.
Tourists are advised to refrain from being concerned about the increased beach patrols in Seminyak. These are preventative and protective actions to increase visitor safety and discourage any possible criminal activities.
The Head of Badung’s beach policing unit, AKP Ketut Wena, told reporters that he and his teams are out and about in Seminyak and paying close attention to communicating with tourists about public safety.
AKP Wena told reporters, “This security is aimed at anticipating disturbances in order to maintain a safe and conducive situation. We work in synergy with Balawista [lifeguard teams] and fishermen in carrying out security in coastal tourism areas.”
Due to an upsurge in bags snatching, travellers are advised to exercise more caution. An Australian lady alerted other tourists about a bag-snatching incident in Seminyak involving a motorbike passenger in a post uploaded to the Bali Bogans Facebook page.
According to the Aussie woman, her mother was bending down besides a bend in the road when a motorcycle sped by, and the passenger grabbed her mother’s bag and snatched it. She explained that her mother kept her phone, cash, credit cards, and necessary medical supplies in her purse. She claimed that the incident might have been much worse if the bag’s strap had not snapped during the grab and snatch.
AKP Wena added that he and his colleagues have been sharing information with tourists about protecting their belongings while on the beach and travelling between their hotels to all of Seminyak’s attractions, such as restaurants and nightlife.
“Criminals are constantly in hiding. Criminals are motivated to commit crimes when they see valuables.” Wena said
The primary goal of the extra police presence in the Seminyak Beach area is to safeguard visitors from opportunistic robbers who might be lurking around.
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