CLAIMS cloning devices are being used by thieves to rob cars have been dismissed as “Hollywood fiction” by police.

It follows laboratory tests by forensics experts who looked into the break in of Susan Franks' BMW saloon in Finchley.

The 50-year-old believed her car had fallen foul of new technology which could tap into the vehicle's keyless entry system and unlock the doors each time the criminals returned.

But Barnet police have now said such equipment has “never been found” and assured people they are convinced thieves are not using high-tech methods to steal from cars.

Detective Inspector John Cardow, of Barnet police, said: “It is a product of Hollywood fiction films.

“Even if they do exist, our lab which covers the whole of the south of England has never found one.

“It doesn't add up. It is not to say the thieves didn't have a system to break into the car, but it wasn't a cloning device.

“We have not found a box or device anywhere in the area, but this is not to say the victim left the door open.”

DI Cardow said entry methods have in the past included bouncing a tennis ball on a certain part of the car to immobilise the locking, but he said security systems are far more advanced now.

He said: “It is far harder now to enter and steal a car without a key.

“We would still urge people not to leave expensive items on display and to double check the car doors when leaving it.”

But Mrs Franks remains convinced she was the victim of a cloning scam and has provided police with CCTV footage of the incident.

She said: “I am 100 percent certain it was cloned.

“Even days after the break in I came down and, having checked the doors the night before, I found them open.

“It is quite clear there was no damage to the car and the police were the ones who came round and told me the key had been cloned.”

Police investigations are still ongoing into the break in, and anyone with any information should contact Barnet police on 0300 123 1212 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.