A search is underway for a car thief who stole a marked WA Police car in Perth's south-eastern suburbs overnight while officers were busy pursuing another suspected criminal on foot.

The two officers were responding to reports of a burglary in Cloverdale at about 8:15pm and stopped on Williamson Avenue when they spotted the suspect running down the road.

They chased the man on foot through a number of properties before arresting him in a backyard on Hardey Road.

However, in the meantime, another person had driven off in their marked police car.

The vehicle was found at about 8:30pm after the driver crashed it into the back of a sedan on Wright Street before fleeing the scene.

The police car had to be towed away on a truck after the thief crashed into another vehicle. ( Supplied: Night News )

The 30-year-old driver of the sedan was taken to Royal Perth Hospital with neck pain but has since been discharged.

The alleged burglar arrested by the officers has been charged with aggravated home burglary and stealing.

The 29-year-old Ascot man is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court later today.

Police are continuing to search for the car thief and have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.