Police continue to hunt four masked thugs following string of terrifying home invasions in Perth’s north

Four masked thugs are still on the run nearly 36 hours after allegedly slashing a woman with a machete during a string of “random” but “serious” home invasions in Perth’s north.

The first incident unfolded after two unknown men, allegedly armed with machetes and wearing dark clothing with balaclavas, stole a set of car keys after breaking into a home on Sohan Way, in Butler, about 4.30am on Wednesday.

The pair stole a white Toyota Corolla sedan — with the WA registration 1HOK709 — before fleeing the scene.

Ten minutes later, police received reports a car had been used to ram a garage door before breaking into a nearby home on Millom Street.

“Once inside, they verbally threatened a female occupant and attempted to enter her bedroom, before departing the property,” a police spokesperson said.

Then about 5.50am, three men tried breaking into a home on Jutland Rise, in Ocean Reef.

Ten minutes later, four men — one of whom was armed with a machete — broke into a nearby property on Tarolinta Gardens and stole a blue BMW 4 Series coupe, with the WA registration “1FBM178”.

While inside the home, one of the thugs allegedly terrorised the female occupant before striking her with the handle of the machete.

The woman suffered a laceration and superficial injuries and was rushed to a local hospital.

She has since been discharged.

The Toyota Corolla and BMW coupe are still outstanding.

Detective Constable Ciara Lydiate, of the Rapid Apprehension Squad, described the burglaries as “very serious” and “distressing” and said she believed they were “completely random”.

She said police had been in contact with all of the alleged victims.

“Violence of this nature is unacceptable, and people being threatened in the safety of their home is something that will not be tolerated,” she said.

Det. Const. Lydiate said police were appealing for information and urged the Ocean Reef and Butler community to “stay alert”.

“Keep your doors locked, if you see anything, say something and contact (Crime Stoppers) on 131 444,” she said.