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Armed carjackers thwarted by manual transmission in Melbourne

While it's often joked that a manual gearbox is a 'millennial anti-theft device', it appears there may be some truth to it.


A pair of armed thieves have failed in their attempts to steal a car early on Tuesday morning, thanks to the vehicle being fitted with a manual transmission.

The 30-year-old victim was returning to his home in the Melbourne suburb of Bentleigh when two men appeared, threatening him with a knife and demanding his wallet and car keys.

After complying with the demands, the thieves attempted to drive away in the victim's manual Hyundai i20 – but instead stalled the hatchback a number of times before abandoning the car in the street.

Neighbours heard the commotion and police arrived a short time later.

In August 2020, a spokesperson for the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) told CarAdvice new drivers learning on manual cars had fallen from 38 per cent in 2010 to just 12 per cent in 2019.

It's not known whether the carjackers were millennials.

Victoria Police are currently investigating the armed robbery and have asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

Ben Zachariah

Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.

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