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Spanish National Police have arrested a man described as the most active graffiti artist in Madrid’s Metro system, a 31-year-old Spaniard known as “LOSE”.
Admired by many fans of the genre, LOSE is accused by Spanish police of causing 31,000 euros worth of damage to public and private property.
The man arrested, identified as David S.E. is said to be a “pioneer” in using the “leverage” method of activating a Metro train’s emergency brake and then spray-painting the carriages while the train is stopped for the mandatory 15-minute emergency period. This technique was captured on video (see below) and shows how a crew of more than a dozen people can cover a Madrid Metro train in graffiti in less than eight minutes.
LOSE holds the albeit obscure record of the biggest train surface spray-painted in Spain. He is also said to have painted trains in New York, London, Copenhagen and Athens. Active since 1995, he was one of the first graffiti artists to use the “leverage” method. He has used social networks to upload videos of his “exploits” and to organise meetings to prepare the next job.
Typically the crew would wear camouflage clothing, hide their faces with hoods and scarves and carry backpacks loaded with paint and other tools needed to force the train driver to activate de brake mechanisms.
They force the train to stop in locations where there is access to an emergency exit or a ventilation tunnel to better make their escape.
The man suspected of being LOSE stands accused of seven charges of public disorder and eight of criminal damages.