Trio attacked by unsuccessful car jacker

Possibly the world's worst car thief has been arrested after failing to steal three cars on the Gold Coast.

His failed crime spree began just before 6pm on Monday when he bashed a woman at Mermaid Waters and tried to take off in her car.

But when she alerted other residents in the area he took off into a home in a nearby street and demanded car keys from a second woman.

The terrified woman fled the home but the would-be car thief chased her down and assaulted her.

When a man stopped to help he was also attacked and the bandit tried to steal his car.

By that time police had arrived and they quickly arrested the assailant.

A 39-year-old has been charged with entering a dwelling with intent and demanding property, assault occasioning bodily harm and attempted robbery.

He's due to face the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The three victims were shaken but didn't require medical care.