Five Foreign Tourists Robbed in Sanur; 22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested for Bag Snatching Spree
Police in Denpasar have arrested a 22-year-old man suspected of committing five bag-snatching attacks on foreign tourists from Sweden, Italy, the UK, and Australia in the Sanur tourist area. Two victims were injured during the incidents, which occurred over a short period on November 5, 2026, with the suspect using a white automatic motorbike.
A series of bag-snatching incidents targeting foreign tourists in the Sanur area of South Denpasar, Bali, has been resolved by police. A young man identified by the initials HGV, alias ARAAP (22), was arrested on suspicion of involvement in five separate snatching incidents across different locations in Sanur.
According to Denpasar Police Deputy Chief AKBP I Ketut Widiarta, the five victims were nationals of Sweden, Italy, the UK, and Australia. The suspect reportedly acted alone, using a white automatic motorbike to approach victims from behind before forcibly grabbing bags or valuables and fleeing the scene.
One incident occurred around 12:15 PM local time on Thursday, November 5, 2026, when Swedish national Anglica Liisa Hast (37) was walking on Jalan Pungutan after returning from Sindu Beach. Near Blend Cafe, a man on a white motorbike pulled alongside her and tore off her brown rattan sling bag, which contained a Samsung S25 Ultra and 2 million rupiah in cash.
Later that day, around 3:00 PM, a similar attack took place on Jalan Kesari II in front of AuroSoul Spa, where Italian tourist Morena (50) was riding a bicycle. The suspect attempted to grab her bag from the front basket but failed to take it; however, the forceful tug caused her to lose balance and fall, resulting in a head laceration, nose injury, and arm injury.
Three other victims were also identified: British national Robert James Knox (37), who lost an iPhone 12, AirPods, and 2.5 million rupiah in cash; British national Dolothy Helen (69), who lost an iPhone 13, a wallet, and 500,000 rupiah; and Australian national Gisela Morhke (75), who suffered injuries to her forehead and elbow but did not lose any belongings.
The suspect, a Denpasar native with no formal employment, is believed to have acted alone throughout the spree. Police seized several pieces of evidence, including a Honda Scoopy motorbike allegedly used in the crimes, clothing worn by the suspect, his phone, and items belonging to the victims. He faces charges under Articles 476 and 479/17 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, which carry a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
The case has drawn significant attention given Sanur's status as a major international tourist destination, highlighting ongoing concerns about visitor safety in Bali's popular areas.
Things to Consider
When walking or cycling in tourist areas like Sanur, keep phones and bags on the side away from the road, preferably held close to the body or carried in front rather than as a sling bag, and avoid using valuables while walking near roadsides where motorbikes can approach quickly. If approached by a snatcher, do not resist physically. Report the incident immediately to the nearest police station (Polsek or Polresta) to obtain an official loss report (Surat Keterangan Kehilangan), which is required for insurance claims and replacing travel documents or devices.
Source: Jurnal Patroli News