*## Candy Boys Target Stores in Maple Hill Pavilion as Law Enforcement Sees Growing Trend*
Kalamazoo County law enforcement is taking action against a specific retail theft pattern that has been plaguing local businesses for months. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, working with Oshtemo Township officials, has modified the local Hawking and Peddling Ordinance to target what deputies call the "candy boys."
## Ordinance Change Requires Authorization Before Selling Goods
The updated ordinance took effect on April 2, 2026. It requires anyone selling goods or services within Oshtemo Township to first obtain authorization through township offices. The change also holds individuals accountable for knowingly helping others sell goods without a permit, not just the sellers themselves.
Community Policing Deputy Chief Logan Bishop with the sheriff's office explained the problem came to light in late 2025 when local businesses began reporting a spike in candy thefts.
"The thought process behind a stolen, or retail fraud of candy, seems predominantly minor," Bishop said. "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 deputies quickly identified a pattern: juveniles and young adults would steal boxes of candy bars from stores, then resell the products at storefront entrances without authorization. The problem grew from there.
## Organized Theft Targets Multiple Stores
Retail theft has been an ongoing issue in the Maple Hill Pavilion area, with organized groups targeting stores for high-value items like candy that can be easily resold. The affected businesses include Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Target, and Walgreens.
Bishop noted that 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.
## Legitimate Fundraising Still Permitted
Sheriff's officials were clear that the ordinance change is not meant to affect legitimate fundraising. Activities by recognized organizations, schools and community groups remain permitted under the ordinance. The modification was designed specifically to address unauthorized sales of stolen goods.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office says this targeted approach gives deputies more tools to identify and hold accountable those operating outside the law. The ordinance change was implemented in April 2026 to support ongoing investigative efforts related to retail theft and fraud.