Suspect Arrested After Three Gold Jewelry Snatchings in Seminyak, Bali
Kuta Police in Bali arrested a 26-year-old suspect who allegedly snatched gold jewelry three times in the Seminyak area. The case came to light after an Indian tourist reported losing a gold necklace worth around Rp75 million while walking to his hotel. Police tracked the suspect using CCTV footage and arrested him at his home in Karangasem.
Kuta Police Precinct under the Denpasar City Police Department has arrested a 26-year-old man, identified only by his initials INM, who confessed to committing three gold jewelry snatchings in the Seminyak area of Badung, Bali.
The case began after an Indian tourist, Ghudaiya Ankit, 26, reported that a gold necklace weighing 25 grams (22 karat, valued at approximately Rp75 million) was snatched from him around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, while he was walking to his hotel in Seminyak. Police said the victim was approached from behind by a man riding a black automatic motorbike, who forcibly pulled off the necklace and fled the scene.
Following the report, Kuta Police's investigation team examined the crime scene, gathered witness statements, and reviewed CCTV footage in the surrounding area. The investigation led them to INM, a resident of Karangasem regency, whom they later arrested at his home. Police seized a black Yamaha NMAX motorbike and a black long-sleeved shirt believed to be linked to the crimes.
According to police, INM admitted to committing three separate jewelry snatchings in the Kuta police jurisdiction, particularly in Seminyak. In the first incident, he stole a gold necklace and sold it for Rp20 million. In the second, he snatched a gold bracelet and sold it for Rp10 million. In the third incident, he again grabbed a gold necklace but dropped it on the road while fleeing. He reportedly sold the stolen items to gold traders on Jalan Teuku Umar in Denpasar.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether the suspect committed additional crimes and to trace other stolen items.
Things to Consider
When walking at night in busy areas like Seminyak, avoid wearing visible gold jewelry or valuable accessories and keep valuables in your hotel safe instead. If a motorbike approaches from behind, move away from the roadside toward buildings or crowded areas immediately. If you become a victim, report to the nearest police station (Polsek) as soon as possible and mention any nearby CCTV cameras, as this can help investigations. Avoid walking alone at night; consider traveling in groups or using a taxi or ride-hailing app instead.
Source: ANTARA News Bali