Candy Boys, Candy Theft, and a New Township Ordinance

*OSHTemo TOWNSHIP, Mich.* — A surge in juvenile theft and unauthorized candy sales has led Oshtemo Township to amend its solicitation rules, giving law enforcement new tools to confront what officials call a growing trend of retail fraud.

The ordinance change, which officially took effect in late March, removes exceptions that previously allowed minors to solicit without a license or registration on behalf of nonprofit organizations. Under the new rules, all solicitation activities must be properly registered with the township clerk, including fundraising efforts conducted by minors.

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.

— Oshtemo Township statement

The Problem: Stolen Candy Sold for Up to $90 a Box

Business leaders in Oshtemo Township reported a troubling pattern to their community resource officer starting in late 2025. Juveniles and young adults began stealing large boxes of candy from stores including Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Target, and Walgreens located in the Maple Hill Pavilion shopping plaza. They then sold the stolen merchandise at storefront entrances across the street.

According to Township Attorney Jim Porter, children can make up to $90 per box of candy. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office said they have received between 30 and 40 reports about the issue from October 2025 through March 2026.

While it seems to be minor, a juvenile, stealing some candy, what they've seen it lead to and what we believe it's leading to is more serious issues in the parking lot

— KCSO Chief Deputy Logan Bishop

The sheriff's office reported that in some cases adults were aiding the juveniles in their criminal activities. KCSO has two adults currently before the Kalamazoo County prosecutor where authorities are seeking charges. The bureau has also observed escalation to more serious crimes, including attempted thefts targeting parked cars, harassment, and assault.

Business Owner Sees the Problem Firsthand

Muhammad Alfaraj, owner of House of Champions Gym in the impacted area off West Main Street, has witnessed the activity directly.

You have kids walking around, early in the day, late in the 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

— Muhammad Alfaraj

Alfaraj said he has seen the young people consistently. He reported one instance where an adult between 18 and 20 years old was accompanying the children, carrying what appeared to be a large firearm.

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?

— Muhammad Alfaraj

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office noted they had not verified the specific gun report but confirmed they had seen incidents where adults were cooperating with juveniles.

I know we've had incidents where adults have been in cooperation with the juveniles

— Captain Logan Bishop, Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office

What the New Ordinance Changes

The amendment to Oshtemo Township's Hawkers, Peddlers and Solicitors Ordinance was passed unanimously by the township board on March 24, 2026. The changes include:

  • Removal of the exception that allowed minors to solicit without registration for nonprofit organizations
  • Requirement that all solicitation activities, including fundraising, must be registered with the township clerk
  • Expanded accountability for individuals knowingly assisting others in unauthorized sales
  • Provision for law enforcement to address suspected stolen candy sales with probable cause

Township officials emphasized the ordinance is not intended to burden legitimate fundraising efforts.

The new ordinance will not likely impact events like Girl Scout cookie sales

— Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office

The ordinance update is designed to give law enforcement probable cause to confront suspected criminal activity and properly address what officials describe as lower-level offenses before they escalate.

Law Enforcement Coordination

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office worked with Oshtemo Township officials and legal counsel to identify how the existing Hawking/Peddling Ordinance could be modified to address the candy theft issue. The minor adjustment now requires individuals to obtain authorization through township offices prior to selling goods or services within the township.

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

— Oshtemo Township statement

The sheriff's office says the update provides deputies with a practical tool to identify individuals operating outside the ordinance while supporting ongoing investigative efforts related to retail theft and fraud.

Sources:

  • WWMT News, "Sheriff's office says solicitation rule change is meant to address stolen candy resellers" by Ivy S. Fowler, April 7, 2026
  • FOX 17 Online, "Kids stealing then selling candy prompts ordinance change, intervention from Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office" by Julie Dunmire, April 6, 2026
  • WKZO, "Sheriff's Office says ordinance change will help them crack down on retail theft by 'candy boys'" by Ken Delaney, April 6, 2026