Police investigating the arson of a vacant Papamoa house are also looking into the burglary of items from the property.

Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Greerton Fire Brigades were called to the Dickson Road house about 7.30am after a neighbour noticed smoke coming from one of the house's windows.

An oven, similar to the one pictured, was taken from the house in Dickson Road before a fire was deliberately lit in the living room.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says sometime between Tuesday and 7.30am this morning, when the place was discovered on fire, there has been a burglary at the property.

He says an oven and dishwasher were stolen.

'There has been a deliberately lit fire, which could have been burning for a number of hours before it was discovered at 7.30am.

Greg understands the fire was lit in the living area.

'The tenants in the property are well known to Tauranga Police and moved out of the address a week ago. It was a property police visited regularly.” Greg says police are interested in speaking to anyone who might have seen anyone around the property overnight and anyone with information about the stolen oven and dishwasher.

People with information can call the Tauranga Police Station on 07 577 4300 and ask for Constable Tim Bonner.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.