Hopkins Says He'll Fight to Keep Providence Crime From "Creeping Across Cranston Borders"

Hopkins Says He'll Fight to Keep Providence Crime From "Creeping Across Cranston Borders"

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins said Wednesday that he has expressed "continued support of the Cranston Police Department in their critical efforts to protect Cranston neighborhoods and streets."

 “In light of the disturbing increase in violent crime in the neighboring City of Providence, we must increase our vigilance and police resources,” said Hopkins.

On Wednesday, GoLocal reported that a woman was reportedly punched and kicked by a group of ATV and dirt bike riders -- both illegal for operation on city streets -- on Tuesday night in Providence.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Cranston in Focus

 “We are grateful to our police officers for their dedication, watchfulness, and outreach work in our Cranston community,” said Hopkins. “Unfortunately, in the neighboring Capital City, many brave men and women in blue are limited in resources and remain without executive support from their elected officials. This lack of leadership produces a sense of lawlessness, leading to heinous acts of violence on neighborhood streets. I will not allow this unlawful behavior to cross over Cranston’s border."

Hopkins office said that "in sharp contrast, Cranston continues to be a safe community, with July’s violent crime rate decreasing for a fourth consecutive year."

“I believe that the greatest responsibility of a municipal chief executive is to keep its citizens safe, which is why I included funding for four new officers in my recent budget," said Hopkins. "I will never tie the hands of our public safety officials and I will continue to fully fund and support the police in their important work. Cranston neighborhoods, homes, and businesses will continue to be protected by a department that balances difficult challenges with bravery and compassion.”

“While some in public office wish to slash funding from their local police departments, I will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Cranston’s finest," he added.