Crossword Genius

Crime disappears, only partly (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arson

'crime' is the definition.
(crime of illegally starting a fire)

'disappears only partly' is the wordplay.
'partly' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (part of the clue is used).
'ARSON' is hidden within 'disappears only'.

(Other definitions for arson that I've seen before include "Criminal pyromania" , "Pyromaniac's crime" , "Malicious fire-lighting" , "Crime involving fire" , "burning problem" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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