Dr. Seuss was a true genius. The Grinch is one of the greatest thief characters ever invented. The Grinch was not the only one looking to steal for Christmas.

A month-long holiday undercover investigation targeting organized retail theft rings has resulted in the arrests of more than 100 people. Those arrested are accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise from large malls and shopping centers across Cook County, Illinois. As reported in www.nbcchicago.com.

The investigation, dubbed "Operation Whoville," involved a series of separate covert undercover sting operations at six Chicago-area malls, including North Riverside, Old Orchard, Orland Square, Woodfield, Gurnee Mills and the Aurora Outlet Malls.

A total of 108 individuals were arrested over the last month and charged with theft of a wide variety of products including clothing, electronics, jewelry. over-the-counter medicines and baby formula from big box retail outlets.

It may not be surprising that also recovered by authorities were narcotics and.

The thieves would steal products from retailers and then pass along the stolen goods to major fencing operations who resell them for significant untaxed profits.

The crime of organized retail theft involves groups of shoplifters, known as "boosters," who work together to steal specific items. These items are often then taken to individuals known as "fences," who buy stolen goods and then resell them.

Thefts by boosting crews result in billions of dollars a year in losses that retailers pass on to consumers. It would be so much better for everyone if people just did not steal. I am hopeful that mandated stop theft classes and stronger messages and examples by parents might stop the rampant theft that if afflicting today’s society.