CBD resident Ashley Bell was dressing in his Ruthven St apartment yesterday when he was surprised to see a teenager running across the roof of a neighbouring building.

Mr Bell, who lives above his Discount Cosmetics and Fashion business, was instantly concerned the juvenile was attempting to break into his store and called police.

Officers surrounded the block shortly after 12.20pm as Mr Bell climbed out of his kitchen window and went in search of the youth.

"He was kitted up," Mr Bell said.

"He had gloves and everything."

Mr Bell said he climbed around rooftops of adjoining buildings until he came across the youth.

"He had nowhere to go.

"I just said 'don't move man, there's no point'."

The extra police presence drew the attention of lunch time CDB patrons, many of whom were eager to find out what was going on.

It was not long before the youth was climbing down a ladder and into the custody of police officers waiting for him in Mark Ln.

"That's the second time we have had people up on our roof trying to get in," Mr Bell said.

He said the previous incident was a night time raid a couple of months ago.

Police yesterday could not confirm the reason the youth was on the roof but did charge him with unlawful climbing of a structure.

Investigations are continuing.