How do you know if you've seen a stolen bike?

[Randombiker9]

So basically there's a bike near me that looks like it's just been dumped there by a alleyway not locked up and it's been there for at least 3 days.

So how do I know If it's been stolen and just dumped there? or how would I know if police are looking for stolen bikes?

 

[jefmcg]

101

or find the frame number
https://www.bikeregister.com/bike-checker

 

[Randombiker9]

101

or find the frame number
https://www.bikeregister.com/bike-checker

Thanks but got no credit so have to wait till get new credit.
Serial number is the number underneath the chain right?

 

[classic33]

Not always on the bottom bracket. Report the bike, and if there's a station near you, hand it in.

Doing it this way you've covered yourself should you be reported as being seen near it.

 

[biggs682]

Not always on the bottom bracket. Report the bike, and if there's a station near you, hand it in.

Doing it this way you've covered yourself should you be reported as being seen near it.

Take a picture of it as well in its current location and condition with you

 

[Randombiker9]

Not always on the bottom bracket. Report the bike, and if there's a station near you, hand it in.

Doing it this way you've covered yourself should you be reported as being seen near it.

ok Nope the police station is a 1 hour walk from where I live

Take a picture of it as well in its current location and condition with you

Already did that.
.

 

[T4tomo]

Take it home, report it to local police as found and if no one claims it within, I think 3 weeks, it's yours. Pretty sure you can borrow a phone, a call to 101 costs 15pence per call.

 

[gaijintendo]

I cycled past an abandoned BMX this morning. I didn't think there was much I could do. I suppose I could have shouldered it to the police station.

Bike on bike action must be an unusual sight.

 

[Globalti]

Firstly the Police won't be interested and they won't have any record of frame numbers of bikes reported stolen. If you do take the bike to the Police they will throw it in the shed out the back with all the other recovered bikes. If you want it, take it home, send a photo and description to the Police and ask them to let you know what you should do. After a month they will give it to you.

Edit: it may not be stolen; some people have chaotic and disorganised lives or are forgetful or drunk or stoned and they leave property all over the place. Some people even meet with accidents or get ill and end up in bed or in hospital.

 

[Randombiker9]

Update: I decided to leave it till the end of the week. The next day I went down to the park and it was locked up there. So I guess it wasn't stolen. Just a weird place to leave your own bike.