Whitehall Township police detectives were kept busy in November responding to seven separate bomb threats at Whitehall High School.

In each instance, after a thorough search of the school, authorities determined the calls were false, according to a report to the township board of commissioners and Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. Dec. 8.

Police Chief Linda Kulp said there was also a bomb threat at Whitehall-Coplay Middle School.

"Detectives spent over 40 man hours investigating the bomb threats and were able to make two arrests. One suspect was identified but available evidence was not available for prosecution," says the report prepared by Lt. Michael J. Marks of the township investigation division.

Truancy by students at the high school and middle school resulted in the arrests of 17 students and, in some instances, the parents were also cited.

A person was arrested by detectives who perpetrated a charity scam involving donations for the care of the suspect's daughter reportedly stricken with cancer. The child was not sick, police reports say.

A crime pattern also exists involving Internet scams. Other police departments in the region are receiving similar complaints.

According to Marks, residents should never provide personal information over the phone to anyone they do not initiate contact with or with someone claiming to be from the IRS.

The public is reminded to verify their relative is traveling to a foreign country or out of state before sending a money order or providing their credit card information. Residents are also reminded to be cautious of lottery scams.