WOMEN have been warned to be vigilant while they are in their cars, as police admit they are no closer to catching Bath's Batman rapist.

DI Paul James said he has not put a time limit on the DNA swabbing process which is the latest part of the investigation.

He said: "Obviously we haven't arrested anybody yet, we are seeing lots of people, taking swabs and sending them off for analysis.

"There is no time limit on the investigation. I firmly believe he won't stop until he is caught."

In a bid to identify the rapist, police began a DNA database on January 23.

DC Kate Jeffries said the process is ongoing. She said: "We have a database of 2,000 men with Bath connections which is being checked."

She said the database resulted from a barrage of phone calls from people putting forward names to the Operation Eagle office, which is dealing with the investigation.

She said: "There are a variety of reasons why people are being suggested to us.

"People have rung in saying they recognise the picture."

New low-copy number DNA testing which requires fewer cells for DNA identification should help investigations, said DC Jeffries.

She said: "The LCN testing should give us a more definite response."

The rapist's reign of terror began in 1991 and he is thought to have carried out 14 sex attacks in the past 10 years.

A renewed appeal for information was made in January, when the attacks were featured on the BBC's Crimewatch programme.

DC Duncan Ayebury warned women drivers to be vigilant.

He said: "The rapist has a capacity for violence and we would like to advise women to lock their car doors immediately once they have got in."

The force also renewed its appeal for information about three men and a woman who asked if a cap had been handed in at Boots store, Southgate, following the last confirmed Batman attack on January 26 1999.

DI James said: "At 10am on January 27 1999, a man asked if a cap had been handed in at the photographic counter in Boots. At 2pm, two more men made the same request at Boots, followed by a woman in her 50s the day after."

Detectives also believe a near collision involving a large silver or grey saloon and a blue Ford Escort at the Bathwick Street and Sydney Place roundabout on January 26 1999 is linked to an attempted attack.

The rapist is known to carry a knife and takes tights to the attacks, which he forces his victims to put on.

Anyone with information should call 0800 169 1926.