CAR owners on a quiet street are wrapping their motors in netting — to stop foxes eating them.
The pests have caused tens of thousands’ damage — and endangered lives — by nibbling ABS braking systems.
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Tyre pressure monitors, sensors and electricity charging cables have also been chewed by the brazen vermin.
Locals also use planks, bricks and even wellies to try to deter the visitors which are unfazed by people or dogs.
Dr Dieter Riddall, 75, has spent over £2,300 repairing his Porsche SUV after foxes struck twice in Little Birches in Sidcup, South East London.
He said: “The first time I think they had a party under there. They took out the ABS cable.
“We put up netting but they got through that so I put up wooden barriers as well. It’s a rigmarole.”
Alex Pascal, 34, has spent £1,200 to put right damage from three attacks on his Hyundai Tucson.
He bought an ultrasonic alarm designed to frighten foxes and greased his car’s cables with a supposed repellent but to no avail.
Martin Britton, 79, spent £500 on his Jaguar XE after the ABS cables were chewed.
He said: “I started the car up and the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree because of the damage.”
John, 79, and Christine Hird had their brand new electric Kia targeted in broad daylight.
He said: “Almost everyone in the street has been affected. One kid’s had his car done five times.”
Jack Cousens, the AA’s head of roads policy, said the foxes may be attracted by the smell of the soy-based insulation on the wires.
The environmentally-friendly substance replaced its petroleum-based predecessor in 2000.
He said: “Once they start to nibble they like the taste and they will keep coming back for more.”
Bexley borough council, meanwhile, urged residents not to feed or pet foxes.
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