You'd think that Batman, the most awesome crimefighter of the 20th century and the centerpiece of the most awesomely hyped movie of the summer of 1989, wouldn't need any security help. But even the Caped Crusader needs a hand occasionally when he wants to ensure that no Gotham City (or Richmond) filth make off with the hubcaps on the Batmobile. So, who does Batman call to protect his wheels? Hanover Security Guards Inc. Actually, Batman didn't call - Warner Brothers did. And actually, the car doesn't belong to Batman anymore - it belongs to VCU student Patrick McLynn. But Hanover Security Guards, a 15-year old Mechanicsville firm, was called to guard the car while Warner Brothers officials were in town last week to turn the car over to McLynn as part of an MTV promotion. "Warner Brothers called us on a recommendation from a competitor who doesn't do special events," said Beth Townsend, the firm's general manager. "I was just as excited as I could be, with all the hype over the movie. All the officers wanted to participate, and one actually did it for free because I wouldn't let him work anymore overtime." The company, started by the late J.B. Vaughn, for many years Hanover's sheriff, employs approximately 100 uniformed and plainclothes, armed and unarmed officers, and takes assignments from all over the state. In addition to guarding the Batmobile, they also provided security for NBC while the network sports operation was in town for the Tour de Trump. Ms. Townsend assigned nine guards to the Batmobile from Thursday evening to Friday evening last week, perhaps anticipating that some of the Joker's henchmen might make a play to rip off the Batstereo, but as it turned out, everyone minded their manners. "Nobody was rowdy," said Ms. Townsend. "It was a very pleasant, well-behaved crowd." By Ray Hall, H-P Staff Reporter