Police probe paint attacks on Doncaster home of severely autistic woman
The property is home to a severely autistic woman with learning disabilities
Police are probing a string of vandal attacks on the home of a severely autistic Doncaster woman with learning disabilities, which have seen paint hurled at the property and sprayed on a car, windows smashed and even a ‘petrol bomb’ left on a doorstep.
Victim Charlotte Wakeham, 30, has endured a number of attacks on her home in Stoops Lane, Bessacarr in recent months - with CCTV picking up footage of a hooded figure dressed in dark clothing damaging the bungalow and a car parked outside the property.
South Yorkshire Police said it has stepped up patrols in the area following the incidents.
In one of the incidents, the word ‘pedo’ was sprayed on a car while in another, a glass bottle filled with clear liquid and with a rag stuffed in the top was left on a doorstep, along with a lighter.
One of Charlotte’s care team who provide care 24 hours a day and who asked not to be identified, said: “These attacks have been going on since late January this year.
“She is a well known character in the Bessacarr area.
“Charlotte can make a lot of noise but she is disabled and can’t help it.
“She has 24 hour support with two support workers all the time.
“Charlotte has a right to live in the community as everybody else does.
“The house is being targeted.”
In January, the bungalow was covered in obscene graffiti and a brick thrown through the front window.
CCTV cameras have been installed - but the attacks have continued.
The carer added: “She can’t even cross the road on her own. These acts of violence are making things very difficult for everyone.
“It must be seen as a hate crime against a vulnerable person with a disability.”
Want more stories like this? Click here to get our daily newsletter
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are aware of these incidents and a number of safeguarding measures have been put in place to support the victim.
“This has included increased police patrols, support with fitting CCTV and partnership work including safeguarding referrals.”
In relation to the latest attack, which took place on October 30, a spokesperson said: “It is reported an unknown man graffitied the victim's house and vehicle with paint.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact us online or on 101, quoting incident number 958 of 30 October 2026.”