There was an abandoned bike on the green outside out house last night. It was the again this morning, so I took it into the back garden and reported it to the police. It looks too good to be just dumped; it has panniers on it, lights and a lock that is in "being ridden" mode (ie wrapped around the bit under the saddle). No idea how it got there, but my suspicion is that it's been nicked and dumped.

So phoned the police, and they took a description. Looked for any bikes reported stolen in the area, but none matched the one here. So they filed a found bike report, took my details and if no one claims it within 21 days, it becomes mine do do with as I see fit. I know someone who would probably give it a good home, so in February, I'll pass it on if it's not been claimed.

The bummer is that I have to keep the thing somewhere. The police don't store bikes, and they said that tracing the owner is unlikely unless they report it lost or stolen.

Does it have any ID marks?

Normally they are put on the down tube near the pedals.

can you post some pics of it please? you must have real lazy police, Every bike I find they are happy to take off me, bicycles too. Once I found a moped in the forest and it was a bit damaged, It belonged to some Israli people living here and it was stolen etc. still had fuel in it

There is a sticker with a supplier's name & address on it, but it's not the guarantee that the where bought it form them. I gave that info to the police - it's up to them to find the owner IMHO. As far as I am concerned, I've done my bit, and I've got the bike in my garden with a car cover over it to keep the rain off. I also said that I didn't have the frame number - but I could get it for them. They didn't want them as they said so few people register their bike with them.

Bratty - no photos, but you will be pleased to know that the telephone number extensions on their website don't work, and those numbers are only for PCSOs. That's the joy of dialling 101 now.

why no photos

Had the same thing (more or less) happen a few months ago - again, no reports of a lost/stolen bike to the police that matched the description, and nobody came to collect it so it's still sat outside next to out fence.
In fairness, it's in need of a little TLC. There's a flat tyre, the handlebars are at 90° to the front wheel and the chain's looking worse for wear. So I guess someone dumped it.

Forgive my ignorance, but isn't that how the handlebars are supposed to be?

Mark

Ah, yes, I see what you mean - 180° then.