Transport for London is spending £11 million on cleaning trains as part of a major response to graffiti vandals who have caused criminal damage offences to double across the network, with British Transport Police working to identify and prosecute offenders.
Thousands of graffiti tags are being removed each week under a detailed plan to address the vandalism and prevent future incidents. The comprehensive programme combines a robust security response with mass removal efforts targeting affected rolling stock.
TfL revealed in December that Commissioner Andy Lord had authorized the multimillion-pound expenditure to tackle the problem. The transport body says it is taking a “zero-tolerance approach” to graffiti and vandalism following what it describes as enormous damage caused by targeting of the capital’s transport network.
Criminal Damage Now 12 Per Cent of All Reported Crime
A report issued to TfL’s safety and security panel found criminal damage, mainly consisting of graffiti, has seen the greatest increase out of all crimes during the second half of 2026. The level of reported criminal damage doubled with an additional 1,452 offences compared to the prior six months.
Criminal damage now makes up 12 per cent of all reported crime on the TfL network, up from five per cent previously. The shift represents a significant change in the crime profile across London’s transport system.
In line with the surge in offences, frustrated passengers have dramatically increased their complaints about the issue. TfL received 364 reports from travellers about graffiti in 2025, representing a 2,000 per cent increase from just 18 complaints made about graffiti, vandalism and litter in 2023 and 2024 combined.
Central Line Bears Brunt of Vandalism Wave
Almost half of all passenger complaints referred to the Central line, which recorded 159 reports in total. The Bakerloo line had the second-highest number of complaints with 77, followed by the District line with 22.
TfL acknowledged in response to a MyLondon Freedom of Information request that there was an increase in graffiti vandalism last year, especially on the Bakerloo and Central lines. The transport body said it took action to address the increase as quickly and comprehensively as possible.
A TfL case officer stated that graffiti requires removal and repair and can make customers feel unsafe. The officer noted that graffiti vandals targeting London’s transport network cause enormous damage.
Police Working to Identify Offenders
British Transport Police are working with TfL both to prevent graffiti vandalism and to take action against offenders retrospectively. The joint approach aims to catch those responsible for existing damage whilst deterring future incidents through increased security measures.
TfL says it has seen significant reductions following implementation of its response plan. The transport body continues to follow detailed procedures designed to address existing graffiti and prevent future vandalism across the network.
The removal programme operates on a weekly basis with thousands of tags being cleaned from trains and stations. The scale of the operation reflects the extent of the vandalism that occurred during the peak period of incidents.
