A mysterious vigilante dubbed "Batman" has been targeting alleged motorcycle thieves in western Mexico, leaving them bound to lampposts alongside the motorcycles they were accused of stealing.

Since 13 June, at least five men have been found duct-taped to lampposts in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, according to local reports.

Mexican journalist Luis Cárdenas nicknamed the unidentified vigilante the "Batman of Lagos de Moreno" after the incidents gained attention on social media.

The vigilante allegedly incapacitates the suspects before tying them to lampposts and leaving handwritten pink signs describing their alleged crimes. Several of the men were also found with bruises and the word "ratero" — Spanish for "thief" — written on their faces, along with whiskers drawn in marker.

According to Cárdenas, the vigilante appears to have taken matters into his own hands due to frustration over the perceived slow response of authorities.

The men have since been freed and treated for their injuries.

State Security Secretary Juan Pablo Hernández said police are investigating the incidents and searching for the unidentified vigilante, while treating the alleged motorcycle thieves as victims during the investigation.

No arrests have been made.