Off-duty police officer arrests thief in town

An off-duty police officer arrested a man who was attempting to steal a wallet from a vulnerable person in Newtown after he was alerted by his son.

The Newtown police officer said he was proud at his son's action that helped secure the arrest of the man.

"Proud of my boy who rode home worried about a dodgy male sat by a vulnerable elderly man in town," tweeted the police sergeant.

"I went to check only to witness this hooded male stealing his wallet and running off. Short chase, one arrested and wallet returned.

"No cuffs so had to wait for the police to arrive."