Three young Balclutha men caused "two hours of havoc" after going on a spate of offending around the town early on Sunday, police say.
A car was set alight, property at an early childhood centre was destroyed and a shop window was smashed during the incidents, Senior Sergeant Richard Whitmore said.
The group broke into a Ford Falcon stationwagon in the Regional Ford forecourt on Clyde St about 3.30am before walking to the ABC Learning Centre in Charlotte St where they climbed a gate, smashed an outdoor mirror, stole some paint and threw paint on the road, he said.
The group then walked back to the car yard and set fire to the car's dashboard, Snr Sgt Whitmore said.
Police and the Balclutha Volunteer Fire Brigade were called to the scene about 5am.
Snr Sgt Whitmore said the car's interior was extensively damaged.
Police alleged the three men then walked along Clyde St to the Chilly Bin shop in the Rosebank shopping area and smashed the front window.
Nothing was taken.
Three males, aged 17, 18 and 19, were arrested and charged on Sunday with burglary, intentional damage, arson, unlawfully interfering with a vehicle, possession of utensils, threatening language, obstruction and breaching the Balclutha liquor ban.
The two youngest were kept in custody before appearing in the Dunedin District Court.
Police opposed bail but Judge Stephen O'Driscoll granted bail to both - the 18-year-old to a Balclutha address and the 17-year-old to Christchurch.
Both will appear in the Balclutha District Court on October 7.
The 19-year-old was released on bail and will also appear in the Balclutha District Court next week.
