Kalamazoo County cracks down on 'candy boys' retail theft with ordinance change

Officials say the updated Hawking/Peddling Ordinance will help deputies identify and address unauthorized sales of stolen goods.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pile of stolen candy bars against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the organized retail theft problem addressed by the updated ordinance.A harsh flash-lit close-up of stolen goods exposes the gritty reality of organized retail theft plaguing local businesses.Kalamazoo Today

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with Oshtemo Township, has updated the local Hawking/Peddling Ordinance to address a rise in retail theft and fraud targeting stores like Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Target, and Walgreens. The so-called 'candy boys' have been stealing boxes of candy bars and then selling the products in front of the stores. The ordinance change now requires individuals to obtain authorization before selling goods or services within the township, providing deputies with a tool to identify and hold accountable those operating outside the law.

Why it matters

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 updated ordinance gives law enforcement more tools to crack down on this criminal activity and hold both the thieves and their accomplices responsible.

The details

The Sheriff's Office reviewed existing ordinances and identified that the Township's Hawking/Peddling Ordinance could be utilized to address the 'candy boys' retail theft problem. With a minor modification, the ordinance now requires individuals to obtain authorization through township offices prior to selling goods or services within the township. This provides deputies with a way to identify individuals operating outside of the ordinance and supports ongoing investigative efforts related to retail theft and fraud. The ordinance also holds individuals accountable not only for unauthorized sales but also for knowingly assisting others in the sale of goods without a permit.

  • The ordinance change was implemented in April 2026.

The players

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing the updated Hawking/Peddling Ordinance to address retail theft in the Maple Hill Pavilion area.

Oshtemo Township

The local government entity that collaborated with the Sheriff's Office to review and modify the Hawking/Peddling Ordinance.

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The takeaway

This case highlights how local governments and law enforcement can work together to address specific criminal issues impacting businesses and communities through targeted policy changes and enforcement efforts.