CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — An investigation is underway after more than 20 gravestones at a historic Cranston cemetery were knocked over – all of which were more than 100 years old. Pocasset Cemetery on Dyer Avenue is normally a peaceful place to walk through, but it was the site of serious vandalism this week. Area residents said vandalism can often be seen at the cemetery, but this time was a lot more significant. “We just always hope for the best. When we walk around we hope we don’t see major destruction every time we come,” said Adele Napolitano of Cranston. The cemetery made headlines last year after firefighters found a body burning on the grounds. Investigators said the 22-year-old man was strangled and set on fire. Napolitano believes scenes like that, plus the recent vandalism, would likely stop if a gate was installed at the entrance. “It’s an ongoing problem. Whoever is doing it, they must get a kick out of it,” she said. “Something has to be done, because there’s not enough money to put it back together.” Cranston police said each headstone will cost about $250 to fix. The department will now be stepping up patrols in the area. Anyone with information about the vandalism should contact them at (401) 477-5000.

Thanks for posting. My home town. Lisa > -----Original Message----- > From: quebec-research-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:quebec-research- > bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of WFlem72706 via > Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 2:17 PM > To: quebec-research-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [Q-R] Vandals knock over century-old gravestones > > > CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — An investigation is underway after more than 20 > gravestones at a historic Cranston cemetery were knocked over – all of > which were more than 100 years old. > Pocasset Cemetery on Dyer Avenue is normally a peaceful place to walk > through, but it was the site of serious vandalism this week. > Area residents said vandalism can often be seen at the cemetery, but > this time was a lot more significant. > “We just always hope for the best. When we walk around we hope we don’t > see major destruction every time we come,” said Adele Napolitano of > Cranston. > The cemetery made headlines last year after firefighters found a body > burning on the grounds. Investigators said the 22-year-old man was > strangled and set on fire. > Napolitano believes scenes like that, plus the recent vandalism, would > likely stop if a gate was installed at the entrance. > “It’s an ongoing problem. Whoever is doing it, they must get a kick out > of it,” she said. “Something has to be done, because there’s not > enough money to put it back together.” > Cranston police said each headstone will cost about $250 to fix. > The department will now be stepping up patrols in the area. Anyone with > information about the vandalism should contact them at (401) 477-5000.