A brave grandfather has fought off an armed intruder in a frightening home invasion in Perth's north-east.

The thug kicked in the front door of John Filarda's Middle Swan home and slashed him with a knife.

But the 63-year-old hit back with his walking stick, saying the thug who put a knife to his throat picked the wrong man.

A brave grandfather has fought off an armed intruder in a frightening home invasion in Perth's north-east. (9News)

The thug demanded Mr Filarda's car keys, using a steak knife to threaten the grandfather.

As the thief tried to take his four-wheel drive, Mr Filarda gave chase.

"I opened the door and tried to get him out of the car - he kept hanging onto the steering wheel - in the end I gave him a couple more hits in the head," Mr Filarda said.

It was a busy night for police with several properties targeted.

Just three kilometres away a stolen car crashed into a tree outside Taylor's Cafe - five people ran from the wreck - and tried to steal other vehicles.

The crime rampage started with the stolen car crash about 6.30pm on Great Northern Highway.

A short time later grandfather John Filarda wrestled with the intruder at his Swan Road home.

The thug kicked in the front door of John Filarda's Middle Swan home and slashed him with a knife. (9News)

At 9pm, another attempted car stealing.

Around 1.30 this morning – an Oakover Road resident confronted another man in his garage when his car alarm went off.

An hour later it's believed that man was arrested on Albert Road wearing a bed sheet.

Tonight, two men are in custody. Police are investigating if there are any links to the crimes, with charges yet to be laid.