Police in North Kuta report a surge in thefts by individuals impersonating app-based motorcycle taxi drivers, who specifically target foreign visitors leaving nightlife areas.
BADUNG, Bali — A concerning crime trend has emerged in Bali’s popular North Kuta area, where thieves are posing as ride-hailing drivers to rob intoxicated foreign tourists. According to local police, individuals wearing jackets resembling those of legitimate motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers are lingering outside nightlife venues, waiting to prey on vulnerable visitors.
“Mostly, they take advantage of the carelessness of foreigners because they are often drunk at night, their belongings are neglected, so it happens because there’s an opportunity,” said AKP I Ketut Agus Pasek Sudina, Chief of the North Kuta Police Precinct, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The Modus Operandi
The perpetrators, who may or may not have a ride-hailing app installed, typically deactivate it. They loiter near entertainment districts, identify targets—often tourists walking alone while visibly impaired—and then follow them while pretending to offer a ride. They seize the moment when the victim is distracted to snatch valuable items like phones, wallets, or bags.
“From yesterday’s CCTV footage, most of them [the perpetrators] use online motorcycle taxi jackets. These can be bought anywhere,” Sudina explained.
Police Response and Tourist Advisory
In response, North Kuta Police have stepped up patrols and made arrests, coordinating with local traditional village security to verify the identities of drivers waiting in the area. Since December 2025, approximately 16 suspects have been apprehended.
The police chief issued a direct appeal to tourists to increase their vigilance when walking at night after leaving bars or clubs.
“So we can minimize [the risk], at least scare off these fake people, these fake online motorcycle taxi individuals, so they don’t carry out their actions,” he stated.
Tourists are advised to only use vehicles booked through official, verified ride-hailing applications, ensure the driver’s profile and license plate match the app details, and remain aware of their belongings, especially after consuming alcohol. Six foreign nationals have reported thefts to the North Kuta precinct since the start of January 2026.
A Final Word from a Tourism Observer: A Call for Awareness and Preparedness
Giostanovlatto, a long-time tourism observer and consultant based in Bali, echoes the police’s warning, framing it as a critical moment for visitor awareness.
“Bali’s nightlife is a major draw, and its informal transport network is part of the island’s fabric. However, this specific criminal tactic exploits a perfect storm: the vulnerability of intoxication and the implicit trust tourists place in a familiar uniform,” says Giostanovlatto
He urges tourists to adopt a “safety-first” mindset that complements their holiday spirit. “This isn’t about fostering fear, but about promoting smart travel habits. Your safety is the foundation of a positive experience, and it’s a shared responsibility,” he adds.
Giostanovlatto recommends a simple, three-step protocol for visitors enjoying Bali’s evenings:
- Plan Your Return First: Before your first drink, decide on and pre-book your safe return transport via a reputable app or arrange a pickup with a trusted local driver.
- Travel in Pairs or Groups: There is undeniable safety in numbers. Avoid walking alone in less-frequented areas late at night.
- Verify Before You Ride: If you must hail a ride on the street, insist on seeing the driver’s active app with your trip details. A legitimate driver will have no issue showing this.
“By taking these simple, proactive steps,” Giostanovlatto concludes, “tourists not only protect themselves but also support the legitimate hard-working drivers and help preserve the secure, welcoming environment that makes Bali so special.”
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