Police alleged a cash and cigarettes thief who was grabbed by the resident of a house during a break-in, broke free before attacking the man with a rake in the back yard, then jumped the fence but returned later with a length of wood and attempted to bash him again.

NT Police media manager Rob Cross said that about 3:45am on Sunday, two unknown offenders broke Blain Street, Tennant Creek home, and began searching it before they were disturbed by a male resident.

He said the duo, who allegedly stole cash and cigarettes, attempted to run when the resident grabbed one offender while calling out to neighbours to assist.

Mr Cross said the alleged offender broke free and ran into the back yard where found a rake and assaulted the man with it before jumping the fence into a neighbouring yard.

Police also alleged the man came back to the house with a piece of wood and attempted to assault the occupant again. They did not say what time the man allegedly returned or if he actually managed to assaults the resident.

Mr Cross said the resident, who suffered an injured arm, ran inside and phoned police.

NT Police did not give a description of the alleged offenders including a gender of the second person. They also did not specify whether it was a metal or plastic ended rake.

Police are looking for people in the area who have CCTV footage.

If you have information you can call police on 131 444 or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and reference PROMIS number 9448055.