CROOKS PICK ON WRONG WOMAN
TRIO FLEE FROM FEISTY MARIANNE
A GEELONG woman used her Muay Thai skills to scare off intruders in a daylight home invasion. Prominent hotelier George Ramia said partner Marianne Valitutti was napping at his Drumcondra home when she woke to find three masked men ransacking the property, about 4.30pm Monday. Their escape on foot was then caught on his CCTV. “My partner wasn’t feeling too well and went to lie down. Three intruders then came in while she slept — one in the loungeroom, one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom — while she slept,” Mr Ramia said.
“She’s woken and yelled out, thinking it was me before she’s realised they were intruders and chased them. They didn’t have a chance to steal anything.”
Mr Ramia, whose investments include the Sphinx Hotel and the National Hotel, said it was the fifth time in recent years his home had been broken into with cash and jewellery previously taken.
He said he was relieved his partner was uninjured and able to defend herself, chasing the trio before verbally scolding them as they fled.
“This may look comical but I can assure you they won’t be back. My Muay Thai skills came natural just when I needed it most . . . Chop! Chop!” Ms Valitutti wrote on Facebook.
“I was in bed asleep and one little critter was in the wardrobe and woke me. Thought it was George but then kapow and away they ran.”
Sergeant Gareth Rae said police were investigating the matter.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.