Candy Thefts at Kalamazoo Strip Malls Expose Organized Ring as Parents and Children Steal Sweets to Resell

Organized Theft Scheme Targets Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Target and Walgreens at Maple Hill Pavilion

*OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, MI* — Two Kalamazoo County strip malls have become the center of an organized effort to steal and resell candy bars to unsuspecting customers, according to law enforcement officials.

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office is investigating 31 cases of children and parents selling stolen candy, said Michelle Greenlee, Kalamazoo County undersheriff.

"The thefts prompted the Oshtemo Township Board of Trustees to pass an ordinance requiring sellers obtain a license from the township, which gives law enforcement more freedom to question the sellers," Greenlee said.

The ordinance was unanimously passed on March 24. Some parents have been charged already and law enforcement is still awaiting charges from the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office for the children involved. Greenlee said charges of organized retail fraud are being considered, but could not provide more details.

Cross Main Street Operation

The kids target Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Target and Walgreens in the Maple Hill Pavilion, located at 5022 W. Main St., to allegedly steal the candy. They then cross West Main Street and sell the stolen candy outside Kohl's, Harding's Marketplace and Lowe's in the Westmain Shopping Center, located at 5125 W. Main St., Greenlee said.

"The kids are running into the stores and taking the candy," said James Porter, attorney for Oshtemo Township.

Department Stores Hit by Aggressive Behavior

Employees at Target have called law enforcement to report the "candy boys" are here, Porter said. Parents help the children by driving them to the various locations, Porter said.

"The sheriff's office has received 'quite a number of complaints' called in by department stores, prompted by customers reporting the kids are being aggressive or harassing," Greenlee said.

Financial Incentive for Kids

The scheme has proven to be quite profitable for the young thieves. Kids can make up to $90 per box of the stolen candy, Porter said.

The operation has drawn the attention of township officials, who saw it as a growing problem affecting local businesses and community safety.

Township Response

The Oshtemo Township Board of Trustees recognized the need for a proactive approach to address the issue. The newly passed ordinance creates a framework for law enforcement to more effectively monitor and question those selling candy at the strip mall.

"This gives us more tools to deal with what's clearly an organized effort," Porter said.

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement continues to investigate the full scope of the operation. The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office is working to identify all participants and bring charges where appropriate.

Greenlee said the investigation is ongoing and officials are monitoring the situation closely as charges are processed.