Victims were forced to withdraw cash at knifepoint and an elderly man was beaten for money he won at the bookies in a series of robberies being linked by police.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested over four incidents that happened in Manchester city centre between July 17 and Sunday, August 11.
In the first, a man was cycling home when he was stopped by the offender and threatened with a knife.
The victim had his bike and other property stolen, police said.
After the robbery, the offender then went on to use stolen bank cards to purchase items in various shops on Stockport Road.
On Tuesday, 30 July, a 77-year-old man won a large quantity of cash while playing on a gambling machine in David Pluck Bookmakers on Stockport Road.
The victim was followed as he left the bookmakers, placed in a headlock and then dragged to the ground, police said.
The offender then stole the victim’s winnings before running off down Stanley Grove, leaving the victim lying on the street.
A third personal robbery offence took place on Friday, 9 August at around 7.30am, when the victim was walking to work.
He was approached by a man and threatened with a knife, police said.
The offender then took him to a cash machine and forced him to withdraw a large quantity of money with threats of further violence.
Finally, on Sunday 11 August, the offender approached a victim with a knife and threatened them for over 20 minutes.
He then escorted the victim to a cash machine on Stockport Road where he forced them to withdraw cash.
Police launched an investigation under Operation Valiant, aimed at tackling personal robberies.
After a number of enquiries, officers arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of four counts of knifepoint robbery, intent to supply, possession of a bladed article and assaulting a police officer with intent to resist arrest.
PC Leon McLaughlin, from GMP’s Operation Valiant team, said: "Thanks to the officers working under Operation Valiant we have managed to make an arrest for these offences.
"No one should be subjected to something like this when out and about, and the victims have been understandably left shaken by what has happened.
"Operation Valiant is a dedicated police operation which will continue to work tirelessly to tackle the issue of personal robbery and keep the people of Greater Manchester and their belongings safe.
"If you see something suspicious or want to report a crime, you can do so via LiveChat on our website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency."
