A WOULD-BE thief was forced to abandon a BMW he was trying to steal under the nose of a Pimpama man when he couldn’t work the gears.

About 5.30am Pimpama local Steve Layton was taking his son to training when he ducked inside to get a bag and hurry his son along.

When he came back to the driveway a man was in his car and was backing out of the driveway.

But once on the street the offender could not work out how to get the manual car into first gear and smashed into a neighbour’s parked car.

He then reportedly fled to a waiting white hilux which sped off with at least two other men inside.

No one was hurt during the incident and no description of the “thief” is available.

Police are investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.