Fox warning for vehicle owners in Epsom
Submitted: 10/07/2003 09:13:33
Police in Epsom are warning vehicle owners to be on their guard and check their vehicles to after three reports of vehicle damage in the borough this year believed to be the result of foxes chewing through brake cables.
Police in Epsom and Ewell identified the offenders for a series of criminal damages in the borough last Autumn, when it was revealed that foxes were to blame for the severing of brake cables on more than 20 occasions in the Salisbury Road and Timbercroft areas of the borough.
Initially investigated by detectives as a series of offences, which potentially have dangerous consequences for car drivers, university experts confirmed that suburban foxes are the culprits, when five damaged brake pipes were sent to national experts on urban foxes at Bristol University, who examined the bite marks on the pipes.
Officers were told that adolescent foxes often take shelter under cars after being evicted from the homes by their parents and get cold and scared, so begin to bite things hanging down under the cars. As creatures of habit, this would explain why some cars were attacked several times.
Police are worried the problem may continue again this year with three incidents over the last month or so in Timbercroft and Kingston Road, and are asking drivers in those areas to bear in mind these recent problems.
Local NSO PC Jane Eames is planning a leaflet drop over the next week to households in the affected area. This follows consultation with Environmental Health, Wildlife Aid and the RSPCA to establish what products are suitable to deter foxes, although residents are reminded that it is illegal to poison or snare foxes. Chemical repellents such as Renardine and Scoot which are available from garden, DIY centres and pet shops are recommended. Strong smelling perfume or aftershave and products used to stop nailbiting are also useful deterrents!
For further information please contact the Divisional Press and Publicity Officer for North Surrey
E-mail: 9277@surrey.pnn.police.uk
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