A Swindon mother has been left worried after a rat got into her locked car and proceeded to chew through cables and upholstery.

Amanda Randall of Badbury was horrified on the morning of Sunday, March 26, to find that a rodent had gained access to her car over the weekend and done some serious damage.

“A rat got into my car somehow overnight and chewed through the seat and seatbelt and started chewing through the cables too,” she said.

“I’m more worried that they continue to get in and chew important cables which could put us at risk of crashing.”

Swindon Advertiser: Amanda found that the seat had been chewed through.Amanda found that the seat had been chewed through. (Image: Amanda Randall)

The 40-year-old also has fears surrounding the hygiene issues that come with having the presence of vermin in her vehicle, especially for her two-year-old child.

“I knew it was rats as I found droppings in the car on the morning,” said Amanda.

“One of my biggest concerns is the possible disease from the rats.”

Swindon Advertiser: It is believed that the rat gained access via the vents in the bumper.It is believed that the rat gained access via the vents in the bumper. (Image: Getty)

The method used by the rat to gain access to Amanda’s car still remains a mystery but the mum has her suspicions.

“I believe the rat got in through the vents in the bumper as that is what the mechanic thinks,” she said.

“I am gutted by the damage caused but I also do not know how to stop them from getting in.

“I know that I could get hold if pest control but it isn’t in the car anymore so obviously it can still get in and out.”

Swindon Advertiser: The cables were also chewed through by the rat, creating a potential safety issue.The cables were also chewed through by the rat, creating a potential safety issue. (Image: Amanda Randall)

Looking for answers, Amanda posted the news on one of Swindon’s community Facebook groups asking for help regarding a way to prevent the reappearance of the rat.

A common theme developed among the response with several Swindonians suggesting peppermint products such as oil as rats detest the smell of mint.

“I have now removed all food that my two-year-old left in the car and will try mint,” said Amanda.

Swindon Advertiser: The rat caused extensive damage to the car's interior.The rat caused extensive damage to the car's interior. (Image: Amanda Randall)

The cost of the damage has also become an issue for Amanda with the Swindonian worried about the level of repairs needed.

“I cannot afford to get the seats fixed and I won’t be able to afford damage to cables,” she said.

“It will cost several hundred pounds as a new seatbelt is needed as well as a full row of leather replacement near the seats.

“I hope that the insurance might cover the cables and damage.”