Detective Senior Constable Veronica Dempsey, of the Portland police crime investigation unit, said the three burglaries were committed on central business district shops just before midnight Friday.

She said glass doors and windows were smashed to gain access to a hairdresser, art supply shop and another retail outlet with cash tins stolen.

"The offences were committed just before midnight. The man was seen by police officers leaving one of the premises. There was a a short foot pursuit and he was arrested in Richmond Street about 12.30am," she said.

"He resisted police and capsicum spray was deployed. The man has been bailed to appear in the Portland Magistrates Court on a later date charged with 17 offences including burglaries, thefts, criminal damages and resisting police. The cash tins were recovered."

Detective Senior Constable Dempsey requested that any witnesses contact the Portland police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.