Mysterious 'Batman' in Mexico: Vigilante Ties Alleged Thieves to Electricity Poles

In the Jalisco state of Mexico, a mysterious individual, dubbed 'Lagos de Moreno's Batman' by local media, is being sought by police for allegedly capturing and punishing bike and motorcycle thieves by tying them to electricity poles. The suspect has reportedly targeted at least five people, labeling them as 'thieves' in Spanish, drawing cat whiskers on some of their faces, and covering their mouths with duct tape. Warning signs are left at the scene, along with the allegedly stolen bikes and motorcycles. According to Jalisco State Security Secretary Juan Pablo Hernandez, five incidents have been recorded, and the perpetrators are being pursued. The Jalisco Attorney General, Salvador Gonzalez de los Santos, stated that the young people tied to the poles are accused of motorcycle and bike theft, but the investigation is ongoing. The prosecution emphasized that the allegations of theft against these individuals are also being investigated, noting that 'at the moment, they are victims because they were illegally beaten and detained.' The tied individuals were rescued by emergency services and are receiving medical attention, but it is still unclear whether they are under investigation for theft. The police have identified two vehicles possibly connected to the incidents but have not made any arrests. Mexico has been struggling with high crime rates for years. Official statistics show that in 2023 alone, over 36,000 violent car thefts were reported. The Jalisco state, where the incidents occurred, is a region known for high rates of theft and is also an area where the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country's most powerful organized crime groups, is active.