Young Thieves Targeting Local Businesses in Growing Operation
*OSHTemo TOWNSHIP, Mich.* — A candy theft ring involving children as young as 8 years old and adults is operating at two Kalamazoo County strip malls after police say they received 30 reports of the problem.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office says the operation involves kids stealing candy from local stores and then reselling it at storefront entrances without authorization, often accompanied by adults.
Muhammad Alfaraj, who owns House of Champions Gym in the impacted area off West Main Street, has witnessed the operation firsthand.
"You have kids walking around, early in the day, late at night. Bothering people if you're going to buy candy. That sort of thing. And they keep coming to you. It's not a one-time thing," Alfaraj said.
One business owner reported seeing a man between 18 and 20 years old carrying a gun with the group of children selling candy.
"One time there was one dude that was with them, between 18 and 20. He carried a huge gun with them. If you're selling candy, why are you doing this?" Alfaraj said.
Police Investigate 31 Cases of Theft and Resale
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office says they have investigated 31 cases involving parents and children who allegedly steal and resell stolen sweets at two Kalamazoo County strip malls.
Captain Logan Bishop of the sheriff's office noted the connection between what appears minor and what could lead to more serious crimes.
"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 large congregation of juveniles unattended or unsupervised, then that leads to further complications or further criminal behavior."
Bishop added that while the candy theft may seem like a small crime, the sheriff's office views it as part of a broader strategy to prevent more serious offenses including vehicle break-ins, assaults and harassment.
New Ordinance Gives Police Tools to Stop Unauthorized Sales
The solution came in the form of a modified Oshtemo Township Hawking and Peddling Ordinance that took effect April 2, 2026.
The updated ordinance requires anyone selling goods or services within the 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.
"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," said Chief Deputy Logan Bishop with the sheriff's office.
The sheriff's office worked alongside Oshtemo Township officials and legal counsel to implement the change. Two adults have already been recommended for charges in connection with the candy theft and resale.
Oshtemo Township issued a statement explaining the ordinance update:
"The spirit of this ordinance update is to strengthen oversight of solicitors and reduce fraud, while intentionally avoiding the collection of personal information about minors. We are coordinating with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office in response to complaints about juveniles aggressively selling candy outside local businesses. The ordinance now gives law enforcement the tools to address this situation and hold parents accountable when minors are involved, all with the goal of reducing fraud and theft in our community."
Legitimate Fundraising Remains Permitted
The new ordinance does not affect legitimate fundraising activities by recognized organizations, schools and community groups. Girl Scout cookie sales and similar authorized fundraising events continue to be permitted under the ordinance.
The sheriff's office says the candy resale trend is not unique to Oshtemo Township and that getting ahead of lower-level offenses is part of a broader strategy to prevent more serious crimes in the community.
Business leaders who reported the issue to community resource officers played a key role in identifying 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. Deputies quickly connected the dots between the thefts and the unauthorized sales, and the problem only grew from there.