Melbourne trains were hit by more than 1000 graffiti attacks last year, almost half of which took place while the train was in service, as vandals became more adept at stopping trains in their tracks or invading restricted railway areas.
Vandalised trains must be taken out of service promptly to be cleaned, causing disruption to passengers, although rail operator Metro will often leave a graffitied train in service in peak times.
Metro has called for tougher penalties for those caught attacking trains, including jail time for the worst offenders, but recent research suggests a "tough on crime" approach to the problem will fail.
The train in the photo looks to be an Hitachi set at McCaully sidings nearest the creek. Was down there a few weeks ago but did not notice the graffiti.