Police are investigating a failed attempt to set a fire inside an unoccupied Kaitangata house on Thursday.
Sergeant Martin Bull, of Balclutha, said the occupants of the Needles St house had been away at the time of the incident.
The offender had entered the unlocked house and tried to set fire to a couch and pile of clothing in the lounge.
A singed couch and clothing was found but the fire did not spread any further, he said.
