Vandalised SMRT train likely to be done by an insider'

SMRT has yet to arrive at a firm conclusion on its latest vandalism case, but an early assessment suggests that disgruntled workers or vendors could be behind it, reported The Straits Times.

It also appears that the vandals had more time to do their mischief at Bishan Depot than in May, when another train was targeted.

A photo of the vandalised train obtained by The Straits Times showed graffiti that was more elaborate this time around, although the graffiti in May's case also stretched across two sets of train doors.

There have been two other reported cases of defaced trains here. In 2011, a hole was cut in the Bishan Depot fence and the words "Jet Setter's" spray painted on a train. And in 2010, two vandals cut through SMRT's Changi Depot fence and spray painted graffiti on a train.

One of the vandals, Swiss national Oliver Fricker, was caught and jailed for seven months. Fricker, who also received three strokes of the cane, remains the only SMRT vandal nabbed so far.

The latest two incidents took place despite SMRT having raised security by installing motion sensors along its perimeter fencing, more cameras and more lights, and deploying guards from third-party vendors.