The woman, aged in her mid-20s, was attacked by a balaclava-clad man in her Arthur Street carport shortly after 10pm, police have been told.

Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit detectives are scouring through CCTV vision and appealing for anybody with information to come forward.

The man, armed with scissors and wearing a single glove, followed the woman into the carport and forced his way into her bedroom, police say.

He demanded access to the woman’s safe but after discovering there wasn't one at the property, he tied her up and made off with her black BMW and $10 from her wallet.

Detective Senior Constable Brendan Humby said police believed the intruder had used “an iPhone cable, a lamp electric cable and a cable from an  electric blanket” to tie the woman up.

“She’s obviously quite traumatised from the incident,” he said.  “It’s obviously quite disturbing that someone could do that to someone.

“The fact that they’ve come into their home as well as then tied them up, she’s very traumatised, and so are a few of the neighbours.”

Detective Senior Constable Humby said police had canvassed the area for leads and would continue searching for the missing car.

“Hopefully someone will find this car, we believe it could still be being driven around at the moment,” he said.

Police have not ruled out mistaken identity as a potential motive.

The black BMW, with registration XEC 146, was last seen travelling east on Arthur Street towards Chapel Street.

The man has been described as of Caucasian appearance, with a solid build and about 183 centimetres tall with light-coloured eyes.  He was wearing a black puffer-style jacket, a dark-coloured vest with dark-coloured pants and shoes.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.