A MOTORIST from Exmouth is frustrated at not being able to drive her American car after locksmiths have said they can t replace the keys. Julianna Bodzan, of Featherstone Road, lost her only set of keys to the Mitsubishi car last Friday, November 27, in e

A MOTORIST from Exmouth is frustrated at not being able to drive her American car after locksmiths have said they can't replace the keys.

Julianna Bodzan, of Featherstone Road, lost her only set of keys to the Mitsubishi car last Friday, November 27, in either Victoria, St Andrews or Morton Road, when walking into town for an evening out.

The 29-year-old has called a number of English-based locksmiths who said they could not replace it. Julianna has even contacted an American Mitsubishi dealership to try and get a replacement but to no avail.

She said: "From the vin number they can tell me what type of key it is but they said they don't have that number any more.

"The car is a vital part of my life. I work in Taunton, for Network Rail, and also study at Exeter University."

Julianna said the car was initially owned by an American who came to work in England eight years ago and imported it into the country.

It was then put up for sale on the Ebay auction website and bought by her brother. Julianna then purchased the car from him in 2006.

She added: "It appealed to me because is a really good looking car and had a low mileage. I am extremely fond of it. We have called quite a few locksmiths.

"People have said they could come out and have a look at it but they can't guarantee they will be able to open it and it may be expensive - several hundred pounds. The car is not worth that much."

Julianna, who was born in Hungary, said it was a simple car key, fitted with a grey alarm fob with three buttons. It also had two keys on.

"I've also been told they might not be able to open the car without breaking in and then, they may not be able to deactivate the alarm.