A mysterious vigilante known as 'Mexican Batman' is being hunted by local police in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico, after targeting at least five alleged motorcycle thieves since June 13. The unknown assailant has been taking justice into their own hands, chasing suspects and taping them to lamp posts with duct tape, often leaving them beaten, bruised, and with markings on their faces.
Vigilante Attacks Spark Online Frenzy
According to The Sun, the vigilante's first reported attack occurred on June 13, and since then, at least five suspected thieves have been found in humiliating states. Many had the Spanish word 'ratero' (thief) scribbled on their faces, along with moustaches and cat whiskers. The vigilante often leaves the motorcycles nearby with a pink sign detailing the allegations against the suspects.
The radical response has gone viral on social media, with locals dubbing the vigilante 'Mexican Batman' or the 'Batman of Lagos de Moreno'. Images of the taped thieves have flooded platforms like X, where user LuisCardenasMX shared photos of the incidents.
Police Investigation Underway
Despite public admiration, police have launched an investigation to find the vigilante. State Security Secretary Juan Pablo Hernández stated that the five men are being treated as victims. Local media reports that authorities have identified two vehicles believed to be connected to the attacks, but no suspects have been named yet.
All the men were cut down from the poles and treated for their injuries. One victim was left bloodied and bruised from the vigilante's escapade. It remains unclear if any of the five men have been investigated over the alleged thefts.
Context of Rising Crime
The vigilante's actions come amid reports of skyrocketing motorbike thefts in Lagos de Moreno, a city in the state of Jalisco. Fed-up residents have expressed frustration with the local authorities' response to the crime wave. The 'Mexican Batman' phenomenon reflects a broader trend of vigilante justice in parts of Mexico, where citizens sometimes take the law into their own hands due to perceived police ineffectiveness.
As the investigation continues, the internet remains divided between those who applaud the vigilante's actions and those who condemn the extrajudicial approach. Police urge anyone with information to come forward.
