Detectives are investigating after a house was ramraided before a fire was lit near the property.
Pictures from the scene show a hole in the house on Almond Court in Shildon.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 2.40am on Sunday.
Durham Constabulary confirmed an investigation is underway.
A spokesperson said: "Detectives are appealing for information following a fire at a property in Shildon.
"Officers were called to an address in Almond Court at around 2.40am on Sunday (July 14) following reports of a vehicle being driven at the house.
"It is believed a blue 4x4 drove along Spout Lane and across the garden and into the property.
"The occupants of the vehicle then got out and started a fire near to the house."
The vehicle then made off on Spout Lane towards Middridge but was later located near to Leeholme and recovered.
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The spokesperson added: "Thankfully the address was unoccupied, and nobody was injured in the incident.
"Bishop Auckland CID are now appealing for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward."
People can contact DC Hope on 101, then extension 202465 quoting incident number 30 of July 14 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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