THE wattle grove man who fired an arrow to defend his home against a thug trying to steal his car on Sunday night is refusing to speak to police.

Asked if the man may have committed an offence Detective Inspector Dean Johnstone said the man was exercising his right to silence but investigations are ongoing.

“Everyone has the right to silence,” he said.

media_camera The "Epic Traditional" bow the victim used against the alleged burglar. media_camera A training arrow like the one shot at the fleeing alleged thief.

It’s understood the 68-year-old man’s wife had withdrawn a significant sum of money that afternoon but police could not comment on whether the hapless bandits had seen the transaction and followed the woman home.

However the offender did grab the woman’s handbag from the house before jumping in the vehicle in the carport and, failing to find reverse, drove it straight into the back fence.

media_camera The keys to the Nissan X-Trail were taken and the burglar was allegedly attempting to make his getaway in the car when confronted by the owner.

Detective inspector Johnstone called upon the alleged offender to seek medical assistance and said anyone treating an arrow wound should contact police.

He said the man had likely had a slim training arrow fired at him and police had seized a similar arrow from the wattle grove home for further investigation.

Such bows do not require a licence.

Detective Inspector Johnstone said the alleged crime appeared to be opportunistic and it did not appear the alleged offender was known to the alleged victim.

He said the alleged offender was a short caucasian male aged 30-35 with dark hair and an olive complexion who was seen departing the area in a silver Mazda tribune.

But Detective Inspector Johnstone counselled against residents confronting home invaders.

“The last thing we need is further offences and a tragic circumstance, protect your welfare and protect your safety, do not confront a person in your house,” he said.

media_camera The X-Trail was towed away for insurance assessment after the incident.

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The thief was shot in the buttocks with a bow and arrow during a botched break and enter at the home on Glanara Street in Wattle Grove at about 5.20pm.

The man stole cash and property from a bedroom in the house, before he took the keys to the couple’s Nissan X-Trail, which was parked in the garage.

He then tried to reverse out of the garage only to be confronted by the angry homeowner, who was holding a bow and arrow.

The thief got out of the car and ran from the garage before jumping the fence and heading towards another parked car.

The 68-year-old homeowner, however, stood on a fence, took aim and shot the intruder in the buttocks, who managed to get into a Mazda Tribute, and escape.

media_camera Where the home invasion took place

The daughter of the man who shot the burglar says her dad and her mother are shaken up but OK.

She said her father was not a hunter or competitive archer but merely an archery enthusiast.

The X-trail was taken away for insurance assessment this morning after suffering some damage in the attempted robbery.

The daughter did not wish to be identified and asked media to respect her father’s privacy saying the incident was now a police matter.

Police have now seized the bow and arrow as evidence.

A crime scene was established and will be examined by forensic experts.

The man is described as caucasian, between 30 and 35 years of age.

Police said he was short in height, with dark hair, olive skin, a tattoo on his left arm above the elbow and said the man was wearing a black coloured short sleeved shirt.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.