Whitehall Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. and the board of commissioners have learned of gang activity in the township, in particular as it relates to property crimes in the area.

According to a Feb. 8 police report before the board, “Patrol officers are engaged in intelligence gathering and are conducting an ongoing investigation into juvenile gang activity in Whitehall Township and the Whitehall-Coplay School District. These gangs are suspected to be involved in numerous property crimes throughout the township.”

Gangs and youths involved in illegal activities operating in Whitehall Township have caught the attention of township police, who have not released specific information on what their ongoing investigation has uncovered and whether they are affiliated with any major gangs, such as the Bloods, Latin Kings or others.

Lt. Michael J. Marks, who heads the township’s Criminal Investigations Division, offered no comment when asked several questions on the gangs’ activities, identities, affiliations, ages and specifically what these youths are suspected of committing.

No indication was reported as to whether these youths are involved in drug trafficking or violent crimes.

At least two robberies have occurred in the past month. An armed robbery occurred at the Sheetz gas station parking lot involving a juvenile male. The male was selling an item through an ad when a male suspect showed up and forcibly took the item and fled.

A second armed robbery took place at Dollar Tree, involving the brandishing of a handgun. Two males were unsuccessful in obtaining money from employees but grabbed a customer’s purse and fled.