*Candy bars stolen from local stores are being resold at storefront entrances without authorization, and Kalamazoo County officials have taken action to stop the operation.*
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with Oshtemo Township, has updated the local Hawking and Peddling Ordinance to address what deputies call a growing trend of retail theft and fraud. The so-called "candy boys" have been stealing boxes of candy bars from stores like Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Target, and Walgreens, then reselling the products at storefront entrances without permission.
The ordinance change officially took effect in April 2026 and now requires anyone selling goods or services within Oshtemo Township to first obtain authorization through township offices. The updated law also holds individuals accountable not just for unauthorized sales but for knowingly assisting others in selling goods without a permit.
The Problem
Community Policing Deputies first identified the issue in late 2025, when local businesses began reporting a spike in candy thefts. Authorities said the thefts were primarily carried out by juveniles and young adults, followed by the suspected stolen goods being resold at storefront entrances without authorization.
Kids can make up to $90 a box according to Township Attorney Jim Porter. The candy theft scheme is not unique to Oshtemo Township, and deputies have seen escalation to more serious crimes including attempted thefts targeting parked cars, harassment, and even assault.
The thought process behind a stolen, or retail fraud of candy, seems predominantly minor, said Chief Deputy Logan Bishop with the sheriff's office. But we've seen an increase in this, and there's a correlation between the retail theft, which is illegal, and then the selling of that stolen property outside of businesses, the large congregation of juveniles unattended or unsupervised, then that leads to further complications or further criminal behavior.
The sheriff's office has two cases currently with the Kalamazoo County prosecutor where they are seeking charges.
The Solution
Working alongside Oshtemo Township officials and legal counsel, the Sheriff's Office found a solution already on the books. A minor modification to the existing Hawking and Peddling Ordinance now requires anyone selling goods or services within the township to first obtain authorization through township offices.
Initially, the ordinance allowed minors to solicit without a license or official township registration on behalf of a nonprofit organization such as a school, charity or religious group. The change removes that exception and enforces that these nonprofit organizations now register with the township clerk, something the exemption excused them from doing when solicitations on their behalf were being done by minors.
Sheriff's officials were clear that the change is not meant to affect legitimate fundraising. Activities by recognized organizations, schools and community groups remain permitted under the ordinance.
Community Impact
The ordinance change provides deputies with a tool to identify individuals operating outside of the law and supports ongoing investigative efforts related to retail theft and fraud. The sheriff's office says the candy resale trend isn't unique to Oshtemo Township, and that getting ahead of lower-level offenses like these is part of a broader strategy to prevent more serious crimes including vehicle break-ins, assaults and harassment.
The law enforcement agency is responsible for enforcing the updated Hawking and Peddling Ordinance to address retail theft in the Maple Hill Pavilion area. Oshtemo Township is the local government entity that collaborated with the Sheriff's Office to review and modify the Hawking and Peddling Ordinance.
The Strategy
Sheriff's officials said the change is meant to address the unauthorized sales while still allowing legitimate fundraising activities. The ordinance change gives law enforcement more tools to crack down on this criminal activity and hold both the thieves and their accomplices responsible.
The ordinance also holds individuals accountable for knowingly helping others sell goods without a permit, not just the sellers themselves. This provides deputies with probable cause to confront suspected stolen candy sales and properly address lower-level offenses proactively as part of a broader community safety strategy.
The ordinance change was implemented in April 2026 and targets the growing trend of teens allegedly stealing and reselling candy outside local businesses.