A TEENAGER who suffers from an autistic disorder has been left devastated after her car was targeted three times by vandals.

On the last occasion, they overturned the distinctive black Mini with a silver chequered roof which Joanne George received for her 18th birthday.

She has Asperger syndrome which causes communication and emotional problems. The car was seen as a way of giving her independence as well as helping her younger sister, Rebecca,15, and Michael,13, get about. They also suffer from the disorder.

Joanne, now 19, was in the process of moving into her own home at Marine Parade, Sheerness, when the vandals struck for the third time.

They smashed the 1986 D-registration Mini’s wing mirrors off exactly a week before. They also ruined the locks trying to break in, which is why they turned the car over in the middle of the road.

She said: “I find this all pretty disgusting. How could they do this to someone else’s property? I don’t have any enemies as far as I know and I get on pretty well with everyone.

"The car really was my baby but now it is all ruined with scratches and dents. I only had third party insurance and just cannot afford to get it repaired.

“I am going to have to get another less distinctive car because I must have a vehicle to get around as I also do volunteer work as a carer for other young people.”

Her mother Julie George, of Hilda Road, Halfway, near Sheerness, said: “This has really upset and shaken Joanne. She has done nothing to upset anyone, loves animals, works hard as a student at Sheppey College, and works part-time in Tesco.”

Insp Dave Applegate, of Sheerness police, said: “To cause damage to any property causes distress and upset. When that property is a vehicle which is heavily relied upon to convey family members around, some of whom are not in good health, the impact to those concerned can be massive and far-reaching."

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call police on 01795 477055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, free and in confidence.