Move Over Kia Boys: The ‘Candy Boys’ are Kalamazoo’s Newest Crime Trend

In recent years, Michigan drivers have been dealing with the "Kia Boys".

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These young teens steal certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles and take them on joy-rides by simply using a screwdriver and a USB cable to break in and start the vehicles.

Most of the time they get away without getting caught, but when they are, because of their age they get charged as a juvenile and don't face any real consequences.

Now another type of crime is happening, but these boys are not stealing vehicles, they're stealing candy.

Kalamazoo "Candy Boys"

James Porter, who is the attorney for Oshtemo Township, says that parents are driving their kids to nearby stores such as Target.

While the kids run inside and steal boxes of candy their parents wait outside as the getaway driver.

With the stolen boxes of candy they then head to nearby strip malls and using pressure tactics on potential customers to make up to $90 a box.

These 30 plus thefts helped cause the Oshtemo Township Board of Trustees to pass an ordinance requiring sellers obtain a license from the township on March 24.

This helps give law enforcement the freedom to question the sellers to see if they're legit or not.

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Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Michelle Greenlee confirmed there are several cases involving the Candy Boys in the county.

She said investigations are underway that could result in criminal charges, but was unable to share more details.