Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command have been investigating a number of break-ins at commercial premises within the Maitland CBD over the last week.

On Wednesday a 29-year-old man was arrested in Maitland CBD by investigators in relation to the matters.

The man was handcuffed but police will allege he ran from them and was recaptured after a short foot pursuit.

He was taken to Maitland Police Station and later charged with 13 counts of break and enter, escape police custody and breach of bail.

The man was refused bail and is to appear at Maitland Local Court on Thursday May 5.