Potential for crime explosion in Bali amidst economic crisis?

SamD

I have thought about it but short of arming myself with a gun I don't know how I could possibly defend myself against a determined attacker. My only defense strategy is to hand over all my cash and hope they leave my phone and laptop. If I could buy a firearm I would. But it is not an option here. I used to own one in South Africa and only drew it once.... on my nightwatchman when I found him fast asleep when I came home late one night. You should have seen him run.

tel522

Im sure personal security should be our focus these days unfortunately ,as people will become desperate after another month or so .

JackStraw

You can get some high powered BB guns in Kuta. I know it's nothing compared to a real gun but they are loued and if it hits skin, it'll scare the shit out of someone. Also got pepper spray and a few golf clubs as Plan B.

SamD wrote I have thought about it but short of arming myself with a gun I don't know how I could possibly defend myself against a determined attacker. My only defense strategy is to hand over all my cash and hope they leave my phone and laptop. If I could buy a firearm I would. But it is not an option here. I used to own one in South Africa and only drew it once.... on my nightwatchman when I found him fast asleep when I came home late one night. You should have seen him run.

JackStraw

tel522 wrote Im sure personal security should be our focus these days unfortunately ,as people will become desperate after another month or so .

For sure. Robberies are already on the rise in Sanur. In broad daylight also

PERtoDPS

Jackstraw I'd be interested to see some links about these robberies in Sanur, not saying they not happen but I feel 1000x safer in Sanur than in Perth CBD. It is also where I stay. Lock the door enough for me at this stage, although I love in a hotel when I'm there wouldn't be the wisest target. I have read of some crazy murder robberies from people drunk on arak and tuak, but never in my 2 years of going to Bali seen anything like that.

Markit

Couple days ago someone broke into one of my neighbor's villa and stole their gas bottle and cooker :p not a major crime exactly.

tel522

harryopal wrote A big dog might be worthwhile. At least you don't, for the time being, have to wonder what you do with the dog if you go away. It seems we won't be going anywhere for a while.

We have 2 , make a lot of noise if someone is around ,finally some use for my muts

JackStraw

tel522 wrote We have 2 , make a lot of noise if someone is around ,finally some use for my muts

A dog is good. But if things get real bad, definitely gonna pony up for security guard. Also, thinking about putting up a sign saying "AWAS! ADA ORANG POSITIF CORONA DISINI. JANGAN MASUK!!" That last bit is half a joke but I reckon it would scare a few petty thiefs off haha

JackStraw

The Bali Bombing and Mt. Agung events were no doubt a thorn in Bali's economic side but that was relatively short-lived. If this pandemic continues for the next few months to a year, which I personally believe it will, how will it affect Bali's crime rate? Even if the pandemic stopped tomorrow, I don't think people will magically return to traveling overnight. It will take some time to get back to the norm if we even go back at all. As a island almost completely reliant on tourism, this will cause a huge issue. Are any expats in Bali concerned about the potential crime explosion in Bali? When backed into a corner with no money or food, humans resort to instinctual behavior and for many of us Bule, we'll be some of the first targets. I've already ramped up my home defense and I hope you are all doing the same. Things could get ugly here/

JackStraw

Does that stuff happen often in your area?

Markit wrote Couple days ago someone broke into one of my neighbor's villa and stole their gas bottle and cooker :p not a major crime exactly.

SamD

JackStraw wrote You can get some high powered BB guns in Kuta. I know it's nothing compared to a real gun but they are loued and if it hits skin, it'll scare the shit out of someone. Also got pepper spray and a few golf clubs as Plan B.

I would never escalate a confrontation with an intruder unless I was 110% sure I would come out on top. A nine iron isn't going to do the job. A Glock or Walther will. So I will stay with my strategy of placating my adversary with cash and hope for the best. I am actually quite vulnerable because my lounge is open air. Any reasonably fit bloke could hop onto my verandah and be in my face. I can lock my bedrooms but all you have to do is break a window and you are in. Not ideal but what can you do? But I don't feel like I am in any imminent danger. .... famous last words!.

harryopal

SamD wrote I would never escalate a confrontation with an intruder unless I was 110% sure I would come out on top. A nine iron isn't going to do the job. A Glock or Walther will. So I will stay with my strategy of placating my adversary with cash and hope for the best. I am actually quite vulnerable because my lounge is open air. Any reasonably fit bloke could hop onto my verandah and be in my face. I can lock my bedrooms but all you have to do is break a window and you are in. Not ideal but what can you do? But I don't feel like I am in any imminent danger. .... famous last words!.

A big dog might be worthwhile. At least you don't, for the time being, have to wonder what you do with the dog if you go away. It seems we won't be going anywhere for a while.

JackStraw

PERtoDPS wrote Jackstraw I'd be interested to see some links about these robberies in Sanur, not saying they not happen but I feel 1000x safer in Sanur than in Perth CBD. It is also where I stay. Lock the door enough for me at this stage, although I love in a hotel when I'm there wouldn't be the wisest target. I have read of some crazy murder robberies from people drunk on arak and tuak, but never in my 2 years of going to Bali seen anything like that.

Check out the Sanur Facebook group. About 2 weeks back there was a Balinese woman who got her necklace taken in day light and another couple who got robbed by motorbike thief right in front of the German Consulate. Of course, this is just Facebook banter and not an official police report so who knows if it's true but I see no reason why someone would lie about that unless they are psychotic

Balifrog

JackStraw wrote For sure. Robberies are already on the rise in Sanur. In broad daylight also

Cant really see who they would rob as there is virtually nobody around....

JackStraw

Balifrog wrote Cant really see who they would rob as there is virtually nobody around....

What are you talking about? There are thousands of expats in Bali and millions of local residents

Balifrog

JackStraw wrote What are you talking about? There are thousands of expats in Bali and millions of local residents

I replied to mugging in the street..... And IMHO, the media (and many followers) already dramatized the Cvirus situation turning into a general panic, no need to start the same about being robbed or mugged.... Fearmongering and panic has NEVER improved a situation.

JackStraw

Balifrog wrote I replied to mugging in the street..... And IMHO, the media (and many followers) already dramatized the Cvirus situation turning into a general panic, no need to start the same about being robbed or mugged.... Fearmongering and panic has NEVER improved a situation.

There is a HUGE difference between fearmongering/panic and raising awareness of a potential situation so we are all prepared. I would rather be worried and prepared than not worried and ill-prepared for a negative event.

JohnnyCool

JackStraw wrote Riveting story. So you think the financial collapse will lead to more crime or not?

[B]YES.[/B] Locally - probably (brush up on Balinese history) Nationally - yes (Indonesia's history is a pretty wild ride, too) Globally - definitely (if the world economy/order goes crap, what then?) Ever watched, say, [I]Lord of the Flies[/I]? Who or what are "the flies"?\ Maybe us.

mugwump

[SIZE=5]Gee! I feel better already![/SIZE]

JackStraw

SamD wrote I would never escalate a confrontation with an intruder unless I was 110% sure I would come out on top. A nine iron isn't going to do the job. A Glock or Walther will. So I will stay with my strategy of placating my adversary with cash and hope for the best. I am actually quite vulnerable because my lounge is open air. Any reasonably fit bloke could hop onto my verandah and be in my face. I can lock my bedrooms but all you have to do is break a window and you are in. Not ideal but what can you do? But I don't feel like I am in any imminent danger. .... famous last words!.

I see your point but I think between myself and my friends screaming, wielding BB guns, pepper spray and some other objects, that should at least give us a fighting shot. I'm not gonna take my chances with some starving Indo guy who's probably cranked up on Shabu2