Criminal burning (5)
I believe the answer is:
arson
'criminal burning' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for arson that I've seen before include "Sonar (anag.)" , "Malicious burning to destroy property" , "Malicious fire-lighting" , "Act of a pyromaniac" , "Crime of fire setting" .)