Overview
- The first case was reported on June 13 and police say five similar incidents were recorded over roughly ten days in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco.
- State Security Secretary Juan Pablo Hernández said investigators have identified two vehicles that may be linked to the episodes but no arrests have been made.
- Photos circulating online show men duct-taped to lampposts with the word “ratero” written on their faces, moustaches or whiskers drawn on them, and motorcycles left nearby, and emergency crews cut the men free and treated injuries.
- Jalisco prosecutors said they are examining the allegations of theft but are treating the bound men as victims for now while investigating possible crimes by whoever carried out the public detentions.
- Local anger over widespread motorcycle theft and viral posts by journalist Luis Cárdenas helped popularize the ‘Batman’ label, which could increase pressure on police and risk encouraging copycat vigilantism.