A teenager with a rare genetic syndrome can sleep soundly at night thanks to volunteers who have put security measures in place to protect her against anti-social behaviour.

Rosie De Beer, 18, from Calne, has a rare genetic condition called Bohring-Opitz, and is severely disabled. She has mobility problems and lives in a downstairs annexe.

She moved to the area four years ago with parents Rachael and Stephen, and struggles to cope with teenagers gathering on the street corner by her window late at night.

Mrs Cartwright, 44, said they shout and bang on Rosie’s bedroom window and a fortnight ago someone damaged Sky cables leading into her room.

After this happened Mrs Cartwright posted an appeal on Facebook and received an overwhelming response from residents and businesses offering to help make Rosie’s home secure.

Mrs Cartwright said: “Last year it was so bad in the summer that GreenSquare did make a pair of shutters to go in her window because they were throwing bottles at it.

“It really frightens her. She’s such a sociable girl, and every time she hears a noise she’ll go to the window and see what’s happening.

“She’s just calmed down after they damaged the cables and that was a fortnight ago.”

Rosie, who is the second eldest of six children, was a pupil at St Nicholas in Chippenham and now goes to Trowbridge College for an independent living course.

The appeal for help raised £650 in nine days and now her home is secured by a fence, lockable gates, and a security light, with the offer of CCTV if needed.

Helpers included Martin Howell, from MR Fencing, residents Nicola Wallace and Shiona McGill, and businesses Chalford Building Supplies and Light Fantastic.

Mrs Cartwright said: “It’s been amazing, I could have gone on and on raising more money for her, but we have raised what we need for the fencing. I had to close the page because it would have kept coming in. We can’t thank everyone enough.”

Calne PCSO Mark Cook said: “We’re now putting a number of measures in place to support the family due to the issues they were experiencing. Patrols have been increased in the area at relevant times.”