An off-duty detective chased down and arrested an alleged bag snatcher while shopping in Dandenong this morning.

The Dandenong Embona Armed Robbery Taskforce investigator was driving along Ronald Street when he saw a man running with a woman’s handbag, being chased by another male good samaritan about 10.35am.

The detective immediately jumped out of his car and joined the chase, before arresting him and recovering the 41-year-old Bentleigh woman’s handbag that contained a large sum of cash.

Two local tradesmen also assisted the off-duty police member to restrain the offender until additional police units arrived.

Noble Park man Harry Theoharis, 33, has been charged with robbery and was remanded in custody.

He is due to reappear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.