Police have arrested a man following a string of alleged graffiti offences on Melbourne’s trains dating back to 2015.
It is alleged the man broke into a number of railway sidings, vandalising a number of trains with graffiti.
The alleged offences occurred in:
– March 2015 at Lilydale;
– January 2016 at Ringwood; and
– May 2016 at Ringwood
Police also allege the man accessed the driver’s cabin of a moving train in the vicinity of Flinders Street in October 2018.
The 34-year-old was today arrested by police at a premises in the CBD in relation to the alleged incidents and other outstanding matters.
He is currently in custody assisting police with their enquiries.
Transit Safety Division Inspector Andrew Gustke said police took matters of criminal damage and vandalism, including graffiti, seriously.
“Today’s arrest demonstrates that police will inevitably detect and apprehend those responsible,” Insp Gustke said.
“There is nothing heroic or humorous about vandalising public property, particularly when it puts the person or others at risk.
“Graffiti, specifically that on public transport, not only incurs huge costs but also has the capacity to affect commuters who are trying to go about their daily business.
“We want anyone who engages, or is thinking of engaging, in this type of behaviour to know we will catch up with them – whether straight away or at a later date – and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
