Another MRT train has been vandalised in an apparent security breach at a depot, the second case in two years.The train was then put into service before the vandalism was discovered.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a statement that it was disappointed at SMRT's failure to prevent another security breach at its depot.

In May 2010, a Swiss national and his British friend broke into a depot and vandalised a train. The vandalism went undetected until commuters noticed the train in service and posted videos of the graffiti online.

Oliver Fricker, 32, was subsequently sentenced to seven months' jail and three strokes of the cane for vandalism and trespassing. His accomplice remains at large.

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LTA takes a very serious view of this second security breach and said it would take SMRT to task if investigations showed that SMRT did not comply with the necessary security standards at its depots.

The police confirmed that a call for assistance was received at Bishan SMRT depot. Investigations are ongoing.

Vandalism carries a punishment of imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to $2,000, and caning of between three and eight stroles. Trespassing into a protected place carries a fine of $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term of two years or to both.



hteoh@sph.com.sg