Swadlincote Police are on trail of an 'illiterate' car thief.

Officers located a stolen vehicle in Newhall, only to find it had the word 'Bataman' sprayed on the side of it.

Police assume the culprit meant 'Batman'.

But they say they think they may have solved the 'Riddle' but that the thief is no 'Joker'.

Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood Team's Facebook page explained what happened.

It reads: "Supercops PC Saddington & PC Smethurst came across a stolen vehicle in Newhall.

"We have a clue who the illiterate criminal is as he cannot seem to spell BATMAN."

Police say they have also been dealing with parking issues in the same area.

Officers have issued fines and points as a result.

Their post continues: "The duo have also been dealing with dangerous parking which has resulted in other road users being forced to contravene a solid white line system, on Main Street, Newhall.

"The vehicle owners have previously been issued words of advice by PC Saddington and so on this occasion tickets have been issued resulting in fines and points on licences.

"We will continue to action your requests in the coming weeks."