A spate of burglaries across Texas, with thieves posing as tree trimmers, has prompted victims to connect and share their experiences in hopes of halting the scam. The criminals have systematically targeted homes by using a ruse involving tree-trimming drones, with one thief keeping the homeowner occupied outside. At the same time, an accomplice breaks in and loots the residence, as reported by CBS News.

In a recent incident, Keli Rabon of Houston was a victim when a man at her door claimed to need to observe a tree-trimming drone, which never materialized. According to Rabon, while she was distracted, her home was burglarized and a safe stolen amongst other valuables. "He said, 'Look. We use a drone to help us determine the precise measurements… so if we could just stand here and look up," Rabon recalls. She later leveraged her background as a former investigative reporter to raise awareness through social media, leading to startling discoveries of other victims and near victims, as per CBS News.

Similarly, Dick and Mary Barr in Dallas were conned by an individual claiming to be a tree trimmer, in a scam that had previously hit Houston homes. The Barrs' experience was captured on their home surveillance cameras, showing the suspect rummaging through their possessions, and escaping within 12 minutes. "It's very well choreographed, and it clearly wasn't their first rodeo," Mary Barr said, according to KHOU 11 News.

The burglars, who have been seen using different vehicles including a dark-colored truck and a black Chevy Tahoe, have yet to be apprehended. Multiple law enforcement agencies are collaborating to capture the suspects, believed to be part of a larger East Coast criminal crew. As the investigation unfolds, and the number of impacted victims rises, Rabon and others are urging homeowners to be vigilant of unexpected contractors claiming to perform work or assessments. "Everybody needs to know these faces and they need to know their MO, until they are stopped, they won't stop," Keli said, as per KHOU 11 News.

As the pattern of these deceptive burglaries widens, the community's shared efforts in spreading awareness are deemed critical in safeguarding against this predatory tactic. Anyone with information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects is encouraged to contact HPD or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).