Jurien Bay 'vandal' caught after thong blows out while attempting to flee police

Thongs are usually pretty reliable footwear, but when they suffer a blowout they can leave you stranded.

And a thong-wearing man in Jurien Bay in WA's Mid West has learned that the hard way after police chased him down after they caught him allegedly vandalising a car.

A WA Police spokesman said the alleged incident occurred at around 11.50pm on Saturday night at the IGA Supermarket on Bashford Street - directly opposite the Jurien Bay police station.

Police claim a patrol saw the man damaging a vehicle and when they stopped and gave chase the man ran away, losing one of his thongs in the process before turning around and asking if he could have the busted single plugger back.

The man, who is in his 20s, has been charged with one count of criminal damage and will face court at a later date.

The incident has brought out some humour from the force, with Wilina police tweeting that the alleged offender should have put a plastic bread bag clip over the plug - an old trick to prevent blowouts.

Meanwhile, Mandurah Police have charged a 34 year old Boddington man over an armed robbery at a local service station.

It's alleged the man entered the premises on Pinjarra Road around 12.50am on Sunday morning and told the attendant he was armed with a firearm. 

His face was covered by a mask at the time, and he demanded cash and other items before leaving the area.

Police located the man a short time later at a nearby train station, and said a review of CCTV also revealed the man allegedly stole food items from the same service station earlier in the evening.

He's been charged with armed robbery, cannabis possession, stealing and breach of bail and will appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday.