HOUSTON — There are plenty of trees to potentially trim on a historic corner in Montrose.
"So, basically, the guy, he knocked on the door right there,” said 21-year-old Michael Vollmers outside his family's home.
Vollmers was home alone two weeks ago when he said a man asked to inspect his parent’s yard on behalf of an adjoining property owner.
"He said he was from a landscaping company or something,” Vollmers said.
Vollmers even checked with his mom before proceeding.
"He was saying he needed to look at this tree line and check the fence," Vollmers said.
Unfortunately, the front door was left unlocked while they were outside.
Meanwhile, an apparent accomplice entered the home and quickly swiped valuables from a bedroom closet after checking two others.
"It was a lot of my mother’s jewelry," Vollmers said. "I think it was close to $100,000 worth of stuff."
He believes the pair used walkie-talkies to communicate -- much like in a separate theft KHOU 11 News profiled this week during which a home not too far away got hit by who appear to be the same guys posing as tree trimmers.
In that case, they got past a former KHOU 11 reporter.
“I want these guys to be found," theft victim Keli Rabon said. "But I also want people to know that you can’t, sadly, trust anyone coming into your home.”
Unfortunately, the suspects were not caught on camera at the Vollmers' home. However, seeing them on video struck a memory.
"It wasn’t the guy in the hat, it was the second guy that I recognized,” Vollmers said.
Houston police took reports in both cases that appear to be connected.
"It’s pretty crafty," Vollmers said. "But, at the same time, you know, taking advantage of people.”
The incidents are a good reminder to ask for identification and look to see if vehicles people show up in have company decals.
Also, you should never leave a door unlocked behind you, if possible.
Anyone with information should call the Houston Police Department.