San Francisco police recently apprehended three men labeled as “prolific” graffiti vandals, whose tagging has marred businesses, residences, and parks throughout the city. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the police made the arrests between October 10 and 12.

The suspects, identified as 34-year-old Anders McLeland, 49-year-old Matthew Schular, and 37-year-old Joel James, are believed to be the masterminds behind graffiti tags known as “Aspect,” “Urban,” and “Ecks.” Law enforcement officials stated that these individuals were caught in the act of defacing properties with spray paint or permanent markers shortly before their arrests.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott commented in a statement, “There is no excuse for damaging someone else’s property and tarnishing our community. I hope that those who commit these crimes will one day learn to express their creativity in positive and productive ways.”

McLeland was the first to be arrested on October 10 when officers from the Mission Station observed him vandalizing a business window with a marker near the 3300 block of 24th Street.

The following day, officers from the Ingleside Station responded to reports of trespassing near San Jose and St. Marys avenues, where Schular was found damaging Muni property. Authorities reported that he was struck by a Muni light rail vehicle while engaging in vandalism, despite having received “multiple warnings” to leave the area.

After his arrest, Schular was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

On the subsequent day, officers from the Southern Station arrested James in the vicinity of the 500 block of 10th Street, where he was actively tagging others’ property.