North Kuta police have arrested a 20-year-old local resident, identified by the initials IGA, who worked at a villa in Canggu. He is accused of stealing $900 from a guest.
The victim, a 39-year-old Russian national, NS, reported the theft after returning from a trip to Nusa Penida, only to find that his cash, which he had left in his bag at the villa, was missing.
Upon receiving the report, the North Kuta Criminal Investigation Unit visited the villa to investigate. After questioning both the villa staff and the victim, officers tracked down and arrested the suspect on Akasia Street, East Denpasar.
The suspect admitted to the theft, stating that he entered the guests room and took the cash.
The young man confessed that he exchanged the stolen $900 at a currency exchange on W.R. Supratman Street, Denpasar, receiving a total of 13,500,000 IDR. He then used 1 million IDR to repay debts and lost 12 million IDR to gambling, said I Putu Sukarma, head of public relations for the Badung police.
When arrested, IGA had only 500,000 IDR in cash left. He is currently in police custody in North Kuta, awaiting legal proceedings.
The suspect has been charged under Article 362 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (“Theft”), which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Police revealed that this was not the first time IGA had stolen from villa guests. Previous visitors had also reported missing cash, but the incidents were never formally investigated.
Unfortunately, theft from hotel rooms and villas is not uncommon in Balis or throughout Southeast Asia. Even booking a high-end villa with excellent reviews doesn't guarantee safety from such incidents.
To avoid ruining your vacation, its crucial to take precautionary measures:
” Use the in-room safe “ Store cash, passports, and other valuables securely. Consider recording what you’re storing, in case of police investigations.
” Avoid displaying large amounts of cash “ Keep money discreet, and if staying long-term, consider renting a bank safe deposit box or using a local bank card.
” Install a security camera in your villa “ Even a dummy camera can deter opportunistic staff.
” Lock your bags and suitcases “ This can discourage casual theft.
While most hospitality workers in Bali are honest, its always better to stay vigilant - just in case.
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