The accused woman denied having the phone when fronted by the victim who explained the reasons she so desperately wanted it back and even offered the thief cash to return it.

Detective Senior Constable Nick Roberts said the 29-year-old woman was arrested at the Warrnambool court complex on Friday.

She was wanted for failing to comply with her bail conditions.

The woman was searched by detectives who found the mobile phone, about 30 minutes after it was taken at 3pm.

She has been charged with breaching bail, committing offences on bail and theft and been remanded in custody to appear in Warrnambool court on Monday.

Detective Senior Constable Roberts said the victim had been at the hospital for an appointment.

She accidentally left her mobile phone in the waiting room and it was gone when she returned.

The 29-year-old woman, who was the only other person in the waiting room, denied taking it.

The victim explained about the images on the phone and offered the thief money to return it.

But she continued to deny the theft.

Detective Senior Constable​ Roberts​ said the victim was delighted her phone was recovered and returned to her within an hour.

"It was a very pleasing result for officers to catch the thief and be able to return the phone," he said.

"To take it in such circumstances and to then retain the stolen phone was a very low act.”