The North Kuta Sector Police last week arrested two muggers in Kampung Turis who had targeted foreign tourists in the area.
The muggers have been identified as 21-year-old I Wayan Mayun and 16-year-old Komang Wirawan and are believed to hail from Banjar Taman Sari and Banjar Bungada.
Head of the Criminal Detective Unit of North Kuta Putu, Ika Prawaba, said the muggers had been caught following a report from victim Oliver McLoughin Lawen, a Swedish tourist.
Police launched a manhunt early on the day, before they were caught and confessed during interrogation at the North Kuta Police Station. Investigations found the suspects did not hold legal documentation for the motorbikes they were found with.
Questioning revealed the group mugged victims in five different areas, mainly targeting foreigners for their mobile phones.
The targeting of foreigners in a tourist hotspot like Kuta is common. In a case last November, 17-year-old Kiki Irfani was caught mugging a mobile phone from Australian tourist Limara Deana Holmes.
Two muggers had been involved, but Irfani’s partner in crime Ketut Arta ran from the scene. The two were eventually rounded up and face five years imprisonment.
Tourists are reminded to stay vigilant as they are more likely to be targeted than locals. Modest appearance and holding gadgets such as phones and tablets safely is recommended.
See: Foreigners Robbed, Bali Crime Stats Gain Attention
Image credits: Tribun
