Berita Police in Bali Ordered to Shoot Criminals

[hendladi]

KOMPAS.com - Police in Bali have been given orders to shoot criminals on sight after a string of attacks on foreigners, including one on an Australian woman who was bound and gagged when robbed in her hotel.

Christine Cheryl Raeside, 57, reportedly was held hostage as a group of men searched her villa, escaping with RP 180 million ($A20,000) of valuables last week.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed that an Australian woman was attacked in Bali last Tuesday. She has since returned to Australia.

'A 57-year-old Australian woman was robbed in Bali on Tuesday and Indonesian Police are investigating the matter,' a DFAT spokesperson said yesterday.

'Consular officers were advised of the robbery after the woman had returned to Australia and are in touch with her family.'

The frightening ordeal reportedly occurred at the Villa Mangga in Mengwi, Badung, where the Australian tourist was staying. It is one of string of attacks in recent months, including one in which a person was killed, that have authorities and tourism operators worried about Bali's image as a holiday destination.

The attacks have prompted Bali's increasingly concerned police chief, Inspector General Hadiatmoko, to give orders for officers to shoot criminals on sight.

'The police have to act firmly and, if necessary, shoot on sight if perpetrators try to escape arrest,' he told a local newspaper.

Insp Gen Hadiatmoko gave the order after American national Philip Mimbimi was stabbed in the leg as he fought off intruders during a home invasion in North Kuta, also in the Badung area, on Sunday.

The 35-year-old is recovering in hospital. Police said the intruders had been arrested.

The attack comes after the wife of a retired British pilot was found dead in her North Kuta home on January 19. Police believe Lusiana Burgess, 46, was also the victim of robbery.

Thousands of Australian tourists visit Bali each year. Insp Gen Hadiatmoko also warned tourists to avoid using so-called illegal villas, saying many had inadequate security. There are hundreds of such places, which are generally much cheaper than the more secure alternatives.