SPENCER — Two teen-agers were arrested Thursday night after police received a report of suspicious solicitors.

Spencer police officers responded to a call about 9 p.m. that two boys had knocked on a resident's door requesting donations for a charitable cause, said Spencer police Deputy Marshal Larry Smith.

The officers located the two, ages 13 and 15, several blocks from the caller's residence on the city's north side. They each were charged with theft and released into the custody of their parents, Smith said.

Police found an undisclosed amount of cash on the boys, he said.

Smith advised residents to be wary of solicitors and to call the local police department to verify that those people are representing legitimate causes. He warned that trusting citizens, especially the elderly with generous hearts, are easy targets.

"People should use caution and discretion," he said. "People usually come at reasonable hours to solicit for charity and should be able to show valid credentials."

Reporter Paula Freund can be reached at 331-4370 or by e-mail at pfreund@heraldt.com.