A HADRIAN’S Wall hiker is suing cops for breaking into his car amid fears he was lost.
Police found a business card inside and rang Paul Dunwell — who assured them he was safe.
He now wants £5,000 to pay for damage to his motor, towing and storage fees.
Retired Paul, 68, reckoned: “There was no need to break into my car then tow it away.”
In March he had planned to hike the length of the 73-mile World Heritage site.
Paul says he told a local in Northumberland he would be gone for several days when he parked his Renault Megane.
But due to a misunderstanding he was reported missing the next day.
Police visited his home in Lower Cambourne, Cambs — while Northumbria officers broke into the car.
Single Paul said: “If only they’d done the proper checks to begin with they would have obtained my number and rung me before damaging my car.
“I was halfway but had to abandon.”
Northumbria Police said: “The force has received notification for a civil claim.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further.”
