Authorities in Oshtemo Township are investigating a surge in candy thefts involving children and parents at local strip malls. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Targeted Stores and Resale Locations
Children, sometimes as young as 8, allegedly stole candy from franchises like Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Target, and Walgreens at the Maple Hill Pavilion (5022 W. Main St.) and resold it across the street at stores like Harding’s Marketplace, Kohl’s, and Lowe’s in Westmain Shopping Centre (5125 W. Main St.). Some parents reportedly assisted in the scheme, which has prompted 31 ongoing investigations.
2. Ordinance Updates Strengthen Enforcement
On March 24, the Oshtemo Township Board of Trustees passed an ordinance requiring street sellers to obtain a license. Previously limited to door-to-door sales in residential areas, the law now includes commercial business zones. Officers can now remove unlicensed sellers from property, giving law enforcement a tool to curb unauthorized street vending without automatically criminalizing children.
3. Potential Charges and Legal Approach
Two parents have already been charged with assisting in retail theft. While children have not yet faced formal charges, prosecutors are reviewing organized retail fraud options. Authorities emphasize that the goal is prevention, not criminalization, treating violations of the ordinance as low-level civil infractions.
This crackdown highlights local efforts to protect businesses, prevent aggressive resale behavior, and involve families in addressing retail theft.