BADUNG, Bali — Police in Bali are searching for a foreign man accused of stealing cash and clothing from a boutique in the island’s popular Berawa area after the alleged theft was captured on security cameras and widely circulated on social media.
The incident occurred on July 9 at a clothing store on Jalan Pantai Berawa in North Kuta, one of Bali’s busiest neighborhoods for surfers, digital nomads, and international visitors.
According to North Kuta Police Chief Commissioner I Ketut Sukadana, officers have inspected the scene, interviewed witnesses, and collected CCTV footage from both inside the store and nearby businesses as part of the investigation.
“We have processed the crime scene and gathered witness statements. Officers are also reviewing CCTV footage from inside the shop and surrounding streets to identify and locate the suspect,” Sukadana said.
Investigators believe the man entered the boutique alone and initially behaved like an ordinary customer.
Police say he asked a store employee to retrieve another size of shorts from a storage room on the second floor.
While the employee was upstairs, the suspect allegedly took advantage of the unattended shop.
Security footage reportedly shows him concealing a mint-green pair of shorts along with several other garments before entering a fitting room.
Moments later, he was also seen approaching the cashier’s counter and allegedly taking cash from a tip jar left on the desk.
Store staff discovered the theft only after checking their inventory and noticing that 100,000 Indonesian rupiah (about US$6) in customer tips had disappeared, along with one pair of shorts.
Police estimate the total loss at 599,000 rupiah (approximately US$37), including the stolen merchandise.
The suspect reportedly left the store shortly afterward and has not yet been identified.
Authorities have not disclosed the man’s nationality and emphasized that efforts to identify him remain ongoing.
The incident has attracted widespread attention online after CCTV footage of the alleged theft circulated across Indonesian social media platforms.
While petty theft involving visitors remains relatively uncommon in Bali, police have encouraged business owners to report suspicious activity promptly and continue using surveillance systems to assist investigations.
Authorities say anyone with information that could help identify the suspect is encouraged to contact North Kuta Police.