An off-duty police officer chased and arrested the man following investigations into six robberies between Belmont and Coffs Harbour during the past two weeks.

Strike Force Hooton was established to investigate the series of hold-ups.

The ANZ Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour branch was held up at approximately 2pm on November 9.

The following day (10th) at approximately 11.30am a man walked into the Urunga branch of the BCU and demanded money.

An hour later police allege the same man held up the Nambucca Heads branch of the Bananacoast Credit Union.

A credit union at Macquarie Street, Belmont was targeted at about 2.30pm on November 16 and the following day a building society in Stockton Street, Nelsons Bay was held up.

Earlier this week (21st) a man walked into a bank in William Street, Port Macquarie and demanded cash.

About noon on Tuesday (22nd) police from Port Stephens Local Area Command attended a hotel in Stockton Street, Nelson Bay, after being called to the premises by a member of the public.

While officers were speaking to a man, he ran from the hotel.

In a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood movie, police chased the man over fences, through buildings and over roofs, before he was detained and arrested by an off-duty police officer.

The Newcastle-based sergeant had been driving through Nelson Bay at the time of the pursuit and noticed the police operation.

He stopped his car and joined the chase.

The 28-year-old St Marys man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station before being charged with four counts of demanding money with menace, attempted armed robbery and armed robbery. He was refused bail and faced Raymond Terrace Local Court on Wednesday.