A man who suffered the trauma of being bashed, stabbed and robbed also had to cope with the indignity of having his pants pulled off during the ordeal.

Police said CCTV operators alerted them to a robbery at Parap Village shopping area, about four kilometres from Darwin CBD, about 11:45pm on Sunday.

Duty Superintendent Helen Braam said a 54-year-old man was assaulted and knocked to the ground before being kicked in the head.

It is also understood the man was also stabbed several times with a pair of scissors.

She said the attacker then allegedly pulled the man's trousers off and went through his pockets, finding keys to the victim's car, which he then drove from the area.

The stolen car was later found in Karama, about eight kilometres away.

"Following a search of the area, and with the help of a member of the public, the offender was located hiding in a backyard in Freycinet Street," Supt Braam said.

The 36-year-old suspect was later charged with a string of offences including aggravated robbery, assaulting a defenceless person, possessing cannabis and various traffic offences.

Police said the alleged offender was also questioned in relation to a break-in at Parap earlier this month and was charged with unlawful entry, damage to property and the related theft.

The victim was taken to hospital where he is understood to be in a stable condition.