An alleged notorious graffiti gang allegedly responsible for $30,000 in damage to Melbourne’s train network has been dismantled by a police operation early on Friday morning.
Transit police had been monitoring the group for 12 months in the lead up to the raids, in which police searched residences and seized evidence including vehicles.
A 35-year-old man from Bayswater in Melbourne’s east has been charged in connection with over 70 offences and is facing 220 charges.
A notorious graffiti gang allegedly responsible for $30,000 in damage to Melbourne’s train network has been dismantled by a police operation early on Friday morning
Transit police had been monitoring the group for 12 months in the lead up to the raids, in which police searched residences and seized evidence including vehicles
The charges include criminal damage, burglary, trespass, possess anything with the intent to destroy or damage property.
A second man, 22, from Forest Hill has been charged with criminal damage.
Both men have been bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 10 January 2019.
A third man, 19, from South Morang has been charged with over 10 offences resulting in 106 charges and is to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 12 November.
A 35-year-old man from Bayswater in Melbourne’s east has been charged in connection with over 70 offences and is facing 220 charges
Electronic equipment was seized as evidence during the arrests
The crew had allegedly been operating since July last year with the graffiti attacks resulting in numerous delays to the rail network.
Electronic equipment was seized as evidence during the arrests, along with an orange Holden sedan at Bayswater and a silver Ford sedan at South Morang.
Metro trains data shows graffiti and vandalism has been responsible for, on average, 49 delays and eight cancellations per month, according to The Herald Sun.
Commuters are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour on public transport to local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
An orange Holden sedan was confiscated at Bayswater and a silver Ford sedan at South Morang was also taken as evidence
The crew had allegedly been operating since July last year with the graffiti attacks resulting in numerous delays to the rail network