Polish 'graffiti fugitive' captured in high-tech Munich police operation

The man was intercepted in the small town of Landsberg am Lech, a suburban area of Munich. The incident was portrayed by journalists from "Die Bild" akin to the apprehension of a fugitive on the run.

Nearing midnight, in the shroud of darkness, the graffiti artist was remarkably visible. His white silhouette darted between tree trunks, trailed by two figures - Munich federal police officers. Undeterred by the darkness, they kept a steady track on him. A police helicopter hovering overhead captured the entire scene using a thermal imaging camera - reports bild.de.

The Polish man stood little chance against such a meticulously planned operation. He was traced by the helicopter with a thermal imaging camera, despite his strategic attempts to deceive the pursuing officers by laying low on the ground.

The suspect took flight towards a nearby forest after committing the offence. Aerial surveillance assisted in securing evidence that he had discarded in the woods. These were spray cans, confirmed Munich federal police spokesperson Sina Dietsch.

The Polish man, apprehended on the spot, could now be facing charges. The police puts the damage from his artwork at around £506. Dietsch added that the operation was both swift and seamless. "This helped ensure the safety of both my colleagues and the suspect, as rail traffic remained uninterrupted".

A crackdown on graffiti has ostensibly been launched by police in Munich and its surroundings. A spurt in spray paint related incidents seem to be the cause of concern. In 2023, approximately 1100 instances of graffiti tagging were identified in the S-Bahn area in Munich.