The Problem on West Main

A group of children known as the "candy kids" have been stealing boxes of candy from stores in Oshtemo Township and reselling them in nearby parking lots for profit. Local businesses have called the issue a serious problem.

Township Attorney Jim Porter said during a recent meeting that Target employees would call police to report when the group arrived.

"Target will call and say, 'the candy boys are here!'" Porter said. "The stores are saying, 'please, for the love of God and all that’s holy, will you put a stop to this? It’s terrible,' they’re losing a lot."

According to Porter, children can make up to $90 per box of stolen candy. Some parents allegedly assist by driving the youths between stores to commit thefts and complete sales.

Law Enforcement Was Handcuffed

Police could not act against the sellers because the children were not violating any existing local ordinances. Officers lacked probable cause to approach or question the youths about their activities.

"And in this case, they weren’t necessarily violating anything," Porter said.

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office reported an increase in large-scale candy thefts over several months prior to the ordinance change. Deputies observed children selling stolen goods in commercial parking lots across the township.

The Ordinance Change

The Oshtemo Township Board voted unanimously on March 24 to amend its street sales ordinance. The revision removed a previous exemption that allowed minors under 18 to sell goods without a permit.

The updated rules require anyone selling goods outside commercial establishments to meet one of two conditions:

  • Be part of a recognized charitable organization registered with the township
  • Hold a valid Hawkers and Peddlers license issued by the township

The change applies to all sellers regardless of age.

Enforcement and Penalties

The new ordinance gives law enforcement clear authority to approach unauthorized sellers and verify their licensing status.

"What that will allow our officers to do is when they approach these youths to say, 'do you have a license? No. Is your organization registered? No. You are in violation of a local ordinance,'" said Porter.

According to WKZO, the revised ordinance includes the following penalties:

  • First offense: $75 fine
  • Subsequent offenses: Fines increase with each violation
  • Fourth offense: Up to $500 fine

The ordinance also holds adults accountable if they "knowingly assist" unauthorized sellers.

What Comes Next

Township officials stated the goal is not to block legitimate fundraising efforts such as Girl Scout cookie sales. The measure is intended to provide police with a legal tool to deter criminal activity tied to retail theft.

Local businesses in Oshtemo Township have urged swift enforcement as the stolen candy trade continues to impact their bottom line.