A new police offensive has been launched against graffiti artists. The Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan Police) and the National Police have carried out a large-scale operation in recent days, following a two-year investigation, which has led to the arrest of twenty people for damaging the facilities of Renfe, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB). Collectively, they are responsible for up to 130 offenses related to the railway sector, causing economic damage of more than half a million euros, according to a statement released by the police forces this Friday. The detainees accessed train stations through unauthorized areas, changing the days and times they went to avoid detection. They also covered their faces and tried to cover as much ground as possible in the shortest amount of time. They always finished by signing their work with their tag. According to the police, their actions directly affected rail service, causing several delays, in addition to the cost of cleaning the graffiti. The arrests took place in the Barcelona and Girona areas.

In any news about commuter rail, trains almost always depart covered in graffiti. Just this Tuesday, in the photo of the truck that ran into a convoy at the Brull level crossing, the first car was crossed out.

Barcelona is reopening to the world after the pandemic and the City Council fears that the image it will project may be tainted by vandalism. According to deputy mayor for Prevention and Security, Albert Batlle, graffiti has long been "degrading" the streets and heritage of Barcelona, and the graffiti on the Basilica del Pi and several shops in recent months –such as the modernist shop window of Queviures Múrria– are proof of this. Residents, businessmen and all of the opposition have asked the City Council for stronger measures in the fight against this kind of vandalism and this Monday the City Council presented a package of measures that aims to promote "habits of urban cleanliness" and improve the coexistence between neighbours and visitors. The plan includes an increased budget for cleaning graffiti on buildings of high historical value, an urgent and free cleaning service for businesses attacked and an intensified police presence in hot spots. "We do not want the city's image to be harmed on walls, shutters, monuments and heritage," Batlle insisted.