By MELISSA
RIDGEN, CALGARY SUN
The writing on the wall isn't good. The Graffiti Response and Information Team -- Calgary's volunteer-based front-line defence against unsightly graffiti -- has folded and that's ugly news for Calgarians.
"I think we're in trouble now," said Barry Davidson, a criminologist and GRIT volunteer.
"Calgary used to be known as not a good place to paint because there's a good chance you'll be arrested. That's not the case anymore."
The group folded out of frustration, he said.
For the past four years, 14 core volunteers and more than 60 others worked to fight graffiti, but recently fewer people were charged and even fewer were convicted.
"We're tired of spinning our wheels and not getting anywhere," Davidson said.
There are more than 10,000 graffiti incidents a year and the count is rising -- and only one officer has been assigned to deal with the problem.
That officer, Const. Marcel Dubois, said it's sad GRIT folded, but police and bylaw officers are teaming up with a commitment from Mayor Dave Bronconnier to eradicate eyesore artwork.
A bylaw comes into effect May 1 that'll see offenders tagged with a $5,000 fine if caught.