The National Police have arrested nine individuals, including two minors, as alleged perpetrators of vandalism against commuter trains in the Community of Madrid. The damages caused amount to over 400,000 euros.

The arrests took place over three consecutive days, concluding a police investigation that has clarified a total of 107 offenses. Of these, 90 are related to property damage and 17 to public disorder.

Police inquiries began last December upon identifying a recurring criminal pattern, known as the 'palancazo' method. This technique involves activating the emergency brake lever to stop the train, facilitating the painting of the exterior of the carriages, a maneuver considered dangerous.

According to police sources, the primary objective of the detainees was to achieve notoriety within the graffiti community, a phenomenon known as 'getting up'. Train graffiti is one of the most valued actions for gaining this recognition.

In one of the investigated incidents, it was confirmed that the graffiti artists used spray cans aggressively, even employing them as blowtorches and showing hostility towards passengers on board.

During the police operation, the arrestees actively resisted both security guards and officers. Tools such as angle grinders, master keys for accessing depots, and a large quantity of spray cans were seized during the searches.

All detainees have been charged with offenses of damage and public disorder. The adults have been placed at the disposal of the judicial authority, while the minors have been handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office for Minors.