The neighbourhood enforcement team discovered a reportedly stolen moped on Mansbridge Road and began a short pursuit.
The moped rider decided to run away on foot, but the police officer managed to keep up.
The officer had to jump over three fences to catch the suspect, although he did get some help from bystanders along the way.
When the officer finally caught up with him, the suspect was searched, arrested, and taken into custody.
The 18-year-old, who is from Southampton, was arrested on suspicion of several offences.
These included taking a motor vehicle without consent, possession with intent to supply a class A drug, driving without a licence and without insurance.
He has now been released on bail.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “During a recent patrol by our Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET), they spotted a moped which was believed to have been stolen on Mansbridge Road.
“Following a short pursuit, the rider attempted to make his escape on foot – but he hadn’t accounted for PC Arnott’s fence-hopping skills.
“Three fences – and a little help from some bystanders, so thanks to them – later, PC Arnott caught up with the rider, and he was searched and then brought into custody.”