91-year-old Aussie's act of bravery stuns everyone: 'I was just running after him'

In an inspiring act of bravery, a 91-year-old great-grandmother proved that age is no barrier to standing one's ground.

Joanna 'Jopie' De Loryn, known for her resilient spirit, confronted an unexpected intruder in what could have been a daunting situation.

Her quick thinking and determination made the encounter a remarkable testament to courage, leaving those who know her in awe.


The incident unfolded as Jopie was performing a routine task, taking out the rubbish at her home, when she came face-to-face with a would-be thief.

The intruder, caught in the act of robbing her, was likely not expecting the formidable resistance he was about to encounter.

Jopie's instincts kicked in, and she managed to reclaim her handbag from the intruder's grasp.


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A hooded intruder was bravely confronted by 91-year-old great-grandmother Joanna 'Jopie' De Loryn at her Brisbane home. Credit: 9News / YouTube


But she didn't stop there. With a determination that would startle many, she gave chase as the young man fled her home.

'I don't know what I was going to do with him because it was a young lad,' she said.

'But I thought if I got him, I had my handbag, so I thought I'd even hit him over the head with it.'


Her bravery was echoed by her neighbours, who joined in the pursuit.

Unfortunately, the intruder proved too swift, likely aided by a getaway vehicle.

Jopie's spirited chase was captured on video, showcasing her tenacity as she ran out of her house shouting, 'You bastard, hey'.

'I was just running after him, and I thought, well, I don't know what to do,' she added.

'There's my engagement ring. My anniversary ring, a beautiful watch my husband bought me and all the little bits and pieces,'

'So it's all gone. It's all gone. I took it out of the box and took everything out.'


The intruder also stole a silver plate, a memento from her son in memory of her late husband, which Jopie fears may be discarded without a second thought.
'They probably toss it in the creek,' she said, a thought that added insult to the injury of the invasion and theft.

The police are investigating the incident, but Jopie's story has resonated with many.

Her actions raise an important question for all of us, especially those in the senior community: what can we do to protect ourselves and our homes from intruders?

While not everyone may have the same reflexes or physical ability to confront an intruder as Jopie did, there are steps we can all take to enhance our home security.

Installing security systems, ensuring doors and windows are secure, and keeping valuables out of sight are just a few measures that can deter potential burglars.


It's also wise to have a plan in place in case of an intrusion, whether that means having a phone within reach to call for help or a safe room to retreat to.

Her experience is a call to action for all of us to consider our home security and personal safety strategies.


Credit: YouTube

Key Takeaways

  • A 91-year-old great-grandmother, Joanna 'Jopie' De Loryn, bravely confronted a hooded intruder at her Brisbane home.
  • Despite the intruder's quick escape, De Loryn managed to snatch back her handbag and even attempted to chase him down.
  • The thief stole several priceless items, including her late husband's watch, engagement, and anniversary rings.
  • The police are currently investigating the home invasion incident.
Have you ever had to deal with an intruder, and how did you handle the situation? Let us know in the comments below. Your stories and advice could help fellow members stay safe and secure in their homes.
 
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I was having a discussion the other night with my kids about how if someone broke in our house and one of us harmed the intruder we would be charged. I then went on to say if we killed the intruder protecting our family then goid chance we would go to jail.
My son replied if we were broken into and he needed to protect us then so be it.

There has been a few home invasions and attempted break ins while people were sleeping in our area and surrounding areas
Keep all doors and windows securely locked for a start, have no valuable items in sight nor CAR KEYS.
 
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Keep all doors and windows securely locked for a start, have no valuable items in sight nor CAR KEYS.
I had also told my kids how when I was little growing up in the Sydney suburb of Peakhurst we slept with windows and doors opened until in the mid 70s people were seeing a peeping tom looking through windows and I remember looking out our dining room window and seeing a man with blonde hair. By the time my uncle went out the front he was already down the street heading to the park
 
I was having a discussion the other night with my kids about how if someone broke in our house and one of us harmed the intruder we would be charged. I then went on to say if we killed the intruder protecting our family then goid chance we would go to jail.
My son replied if we were broken into and he needed to protect us then so be it.

There has been a few home invasions and attempted break ins while people were sleeping in our area and surrounding areas
You have to do what you need to do to keep safe from harm……There’s many more home invasions happening now than before and the culprits seem to get younger and more aggressive too, and it’s terrifying…
 
I remember a case in Sydney maybe 10 years ago where someone broke into a families home. The intruder threatened the family and the father managed to tackle the intruder and the intruder died. I can't remember how, only that the father did it by protecting his family.
He was charged with murder , then lessened to involuntery manslaughter .
The case I know went on for ages. I think he ended up serving 5 years in jail.

The intruder was armed with a gun
Hi there, "SR",
All I can say is, that the hubby didn't have a real good lawyer acting on his defence for the jury to bring back a not guilty verdict on any charge.
 
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During WW11 a lady walked to the shop to buy some groceries. When she arrived back home and was walking up her driveway a guy came out of her front door and walked towards her. In self defence she hit him over the head with her shopping bag and knocked him unconscious. She called the Police. With the items still in his possession, including in his pockets there was no doubt of this crime.
 
I was having a discussion the other night with my kids about how if someone broke in our house and one of us harmed the intruder we would be charged. I then went on to say if we killed the intruder protecting our family then goid chance we would go to jail.
My son replied if we were broken into and he needed to protect us then so be it.

There has been a few home invasions and attempted break ins while people were sleeping in our area and surrounding areas
If they have a weapon in their hands it self defense
 
I saw on a current affairs tonight that Crimsafe is going to give and install all security doors and windows for this ladies house and another company is giving and installing security cameras.
What a wonderful thing to do
 
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