Here’s yet another cautionary tale for tourists to be careful while roaming the streets of Bali.
A domestic tourist on a motorbike had her cell phone stolen while she stopped to look for a gas station using Google Maps.
Thankfully, the two perpetrators, KA and IGB, were arrested by the Bali Police recently. In a statement released today, Bali Police Crime Unit Deputy Chief Suratno said the crime took place on May 23 on Petitenget Street in Kerobokan, North Kuta.
The victim was identified by her initials, SA, and she was riding the bike with her friend, a British citizen whose name was not revealed by the authorities.
“During the ride, the victim opened Google Maps to locate a gas station, and suddenly was approached from behind by unknown individuals,” Suratno said.
The two suspects snatched SA’s phone with such a force that she was almost knocked off her bike. They immediately fled the scene despite the victim’s efforts to chase them.
SA said she was traumatized by the incident and suffered IDR19 million (US$1,286) in losses.
The police finally managed to track down KA and IGB and arrested them earlier this week on Kresek Street in Kuta. During interrogation, they confessed that they also committed muggings in 10 different locations.
Under Indonesian law, KA and IGB may each face a maximum of 12 years behind bars for theft.
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