Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners President Linda Snyder expressed concern at a recent comissioners meeting about an increase in crimes that have been occurring in the township.

Snyder reflected back when crimes such as home invasions and armed robberies were not prevalent in the township, but now seem to be commonplace in today's society.

On reading the monthly police report, compiled by township Police Chief Linda Kulp, Snyder inquired about options available to the township to address the issue.

"Is there anything proactive we could do to help you?" Snyder asked Kulp, who was present at the meeting.

During the meeting, it was mentioned the addition of security cameras to be placed at strategic locations would help. Receiving grant funding for the police department would help address the problem of crime while keeping costs down.

"It's the people ... people getting crazier," Snyder said.

The police department personnel roster includes 46 officers. Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. noted the budget calls for one new officer, which was approved by the commissioners in the 2014 budget.

However, police roster numbers are down from a decade ago when there were 50 officers. The downturn in the economy in recent years has left the department at its current level.

There is one retirement expected this year. A new officer candidate would be brought aboard.

A police substation probably will not be built, Synder said, noting the officers are not in favor of it.

"I don't see putting more than one police officer on," Snyder said.

Later in an interview with The Press, commissioners noted the administration decides the size of the police department's roster.

"The police department is the township's number one priority," Snyder said. "You don't call parks or playgrounds when you need help, you call the police."

Kulp said the police department has a good working relationship with the Lehigh Valley Mall. Monthly police reports have noted shoplifting and more serious incidents occurring at the Walmart site.

"It is getting scary," Snyder said regarding the increase of crime in the township.

Snyder recalled a former township police chief mobilized a campaign that brought a heavy police presence, including other agencies, a task force, probation and units to the area to quell the incidents.

"We have a good police department. We have to be proactive," Snyder said.

"We are doing the best we can," Kulp added.

Kulp said on some calls there are several police officers needed at the scene. More patrolling was noted as a possible solution.