Is it illegal to...?

[BluesDave]

Remove an abandoned bike from a lamppost.
By way of explanation there is an abandoned bike locally on a street I worked down over a month ago. It's locked up to a lamppost.
The frame seems sound but the wheels look like they've been run over by a truck. The council has put an abandoned bike removal notice on it. I've phoned the number on it but got no reply and it'll only be two weeks till they take it away. It's been there so long that the chain and lock have both gone rusty.
Can I just remove it without being arrested for theft by the Metropolitan Police (me live in London)
It's a Ridgeback, what I've wanted for years but never seem to be able to afford.
It would be such a waste if the council just took it away and scrapped it.
I know I can restore this for use as my work bike and it would be a labour of love.
Please advise me....... Thankyou.

 

[Drago]

You must make a 'reasonable' effort to identify the owner, otherwise it could be construed as theft by finding. I'd be inclined to leave it alone.

 

[BluesDave]

You must make a 'reasonable' effort to identify the owner, otherwise it could be construed as theft by finding. I'd be inclined to leave it alone.

Do you have any suggestions as to how I would go about doing that then?

 

[Drago]

Ultimately that could be for a Magistrate to decide. However, perhaps a phone call to the local Ridgeback dealer with the frame number, or an ad in the local newsagents would discharge your responsibilities in that regard.

 

[CopperCyclist]

Another route would be get the frame number, make, and model, and ring the police to report that you have found an abandoned and potentially lost bike. Give them your details and say you are happy to keep it pending an owner being found.

Usually the police will be more than happy with that.

Be aware however that should the owner come forward months down the line, you may be handing over the bike you just paid to have service and refurbished!

 

[buggi]

I watched a programme once where someone got fined for theft when they took something out of a skip. I think that is similar

 

[Tom B]

Theft:

A person is guilty of theft of s/he _dishonestly_ _appropriates_ property belonging to another with the _intention_ of _permanently_ depriving the other of it.

The key words are highlighted. Personally I'd go for it just bearing in mind should anyone claim it you'd have to give it back. You couldeven make efforts to find its owner using Facebook before starting work to show your honourable intent.

 

[steveindenmark]

Go and take it. Leave a note taped to the post with your details to say you have the bike for safe keeping. The chances of coming forward are minimal. You will not have taken it dishonestly as you have left your details. Common sense needs to prevail here. You are just liberating an unwanted bike. If someone does turn up to up for it, you have no claim on it.

 

[Arrowfoot]

Go and take it. Leave a note taped to the post with your details to say you have the bike for safe keeping. The chances of coming forward are minimal. You will not have taken it dishonestly as you have left your details. Common sense needs to prevail here. You are just liberating an unwanted bike. If someone does turn up to up for it, you have no claim on it.

Its one of those things that may cause possible grief if it had been stolen in the first place and the owner sees it subsequently. One would look a proper dill having to explain possession and giving the story above even though it is true.

Though I agree that it is such a waste.

 

[Tommy2]

It does make you wonder what the story behind the abandoned bike is though doesn't it?

 

[screenman]

Charge an extra £10 a day for your work and you will soon be able to buy a new one.

 

[steveindenmark]

Its one of those things that may cause possible grief if it had been stolen in the first place and the owner sees it subsequently. One would look a proper dill having to explain possession and giving the story above even though it is true.

Though I agree that it is such a waste.

I agree with what you are saying. But in that position, the chances are slim enough for me to take the chance. The bike sounds like a total shed. If it was anyway rideable in its present condition, I would leave it alone. But as it is I would have no qualms in liberating it.

 

[Dayvo]

Just get in quick with the bolt cutters at night/when no-one's looking.

Oh, and wear a balaclava.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

And then have this thread deleted