US man's alleged Vic train graffiti

An American with an international following is in custody in Melbourne accused of major graffiti on the city's trains.

Jim Clay Harper and his girlfriend have been dubbed the "Bonnie and Clyde" of the graffiti world, according to their website.

He was arrested in Fitzroy and brought before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Victoria Police say Harper caused almost $2500 worth of damage when he allegedly defaced trains at Bayswater, Williamstown, Kensington and Pakenham.

The 31-year-old is also accused of trying to steal a phone from someone, who he allegedly punched.

He's also charged with possessing a controlled weapon.

It's understood Harper and his girlfriend operate under the pseudonyms "Ether" and "Utah", respectively.

Their website, Utah & Ether, says the couple are "mixed media artists" from New York and Chicago who "have garnered global recognition for their vandalism and art".

The website said their "works" can be viewed in cities including Buenos Aires, Paris, Milan, New York, Beijing and Tokyo.

One post on the site says the couple "left their homeland for good" in 2011, breaking probation and flying to India.

Harper, who faces eight charges, did not apply for bail on Thursday and was remanded in custody to reappear next week.