In a revelation that highlights a curious generational shift, new intelligence from insurance giant Allianz Australia shows that a growing number of criminals are proving too clueless to steal cars with manual transmissions.
The Stalling Thieves: A New Anti-Theft Device?
The data, compiled from claims and incident reports across the country, points to a modern-day dilemma for car thieves. As automatic vehicles become the overwhelming norm on Australian roads, the practical skill of driving a manual car—or 'stick shift'—is fading. This decline in driving capability is now acting as an unexpected deterrent against crime.
Allianz Australia's head of property claims, Nadia Liddle, confirmed the trend, stating that thieves are often abandoning manual vehicles after realising they cannot operate them. The company has observed numerous cases where criminals have fled the scene, leaving the targeted manual car behind, simply because they lacked the necessary know-how to get it moving.
Why Manual Cars Are Becoming Theft-Proof
This phenomenon is largely driven by changing consumer preferences and automotive technology. For years, the sales of new manual vehicles in Australia have been in steep decline. Industry figures suggest that automatics now account for over 80% of new car sales. Consequently, younger drivers, including those who might turn to crime, are far less likely to have ever learned how to handle a clutch and gear stick.
The insurance data suggests this isn't just an occasional occurrence. It represents a measurable trend where the manual transmission is becoming a de facto security feature. While not foolproof, it adds a significant layer of difficulty for a large portion of potential offenders who are only familiar with automatic gearboxes.
This insight forms part of a broader analysis by Allianz into vehicle crime patterns. The company uses such intelligence to inform its risk assessments and to provide advice to customers on vehicle security. While they aren't explicitly recommending everyone switch to a manual, the data underscores how evolving technology and social trends can have unintended consequences on criminal behaviour.
Broader Implications for Vehicle Security
While a manual gearbox might deter some opportunistic thieves, experts and insurers caution that it is not a substitute for proper security measures. Professional criminal rings targeting high-value vehicles will likely still have the skills to overcome this hurdle.
However, for the average car owner, this trend is a fascinating footnote in the fight against auto theft. It highlights a cultural shift where a once-common skill is becoming a niche expertise—one that even criminals lack. The advice from authorities remains consistent: always lock your vehicle, remove valuables, and use immobilisers or steering wheel locks where possible.
For now, owners of older or performance-oriented manual cars might have a small, unexpected advantage. Their vehicle's transmission could be the very thing that leaves a would-be thief stalling in confusion and making a quick escape on foot instead.
