Police responded to a report of teenagers attempting to start a trashcan fire in south Evanson on Monday.

At about 1:20 p.m., Evanston police received a call that two 14- to 15-year-old boys were trying to light a trashcan on fire in a city park, said Evanston police Cmdr. Joseph Dugan.

A resident had put out the fire with a hose by the time officers arrived. A 46-year-old Evanston woman who had confronted the two teenagers told officers that the boys told her they were conducting a science experiment, Dugan said.

There was no visible damage to the trashcan.

Evanston woman reports stolen guitar

Officers are investigating a stolen guitar that went missing in late September.

On Sept. 22, a 62-year-old Evanston woman left her house in south Evanston at about 7 p.m., leaving a 46-year-old Evanston man, an acquaintance, inside, Dugan said.

When the woman returned, both her acquaintance and a guitar valued at $650 were missing. The woman has been trying to get in contact with the man, but she said she has been unable to reach him via email or phone.

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