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4 years later I ... Contact Bike Register...
I'm guessing the bike's rightful owner is probably thinking it's a bit suspicious it's taken you 4 years to get in touch with Bike Register.
Ianal but I imagine your within your rights to remove parts you have bought for the bike but there may be a requirement for you to return the bike in the condition it was bought in? Ie the tyres may have been worn but there were at least tyres on it.
Citizens Advice website says "If you have spent money on improving or repairing the stolen goods, you may be able to claim compensation for the value of these improvements or repairs."
I don't know if there is a period of time after which stolen goods are no longer considered 'stolen good'? I was going to say there might be a limit on how long after a crime you can report it but we're always hearing about cases regarding historical sexual assault/abuse so that'd suggest not.
I think bottom line is that as far as you can tell, it's a stolen bike and now that you aware of that, it needs to be returned.
M_V-
I don't know if there is a period of time after which stolen goods are no longer considered 'stolen good'?
6 years.
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Yeah I appreciate I have to give it back, fortunately I've found the messages with the person I bought the bike from on an iPhone backup. I spoke to the police who advised me I can remove any parts I've added to the bike and should deal with it through the original owner and bike register.
Brommers
SlimCharles
So... don't know what to do here.
I bought the old bike from Gumtree in about 2014; it was registered on bike register but I wasn't aware of it at the time. Having noticed the stamp on it a couple of weeks after I contacted the seller and asked them to transfer ownership. They informed me they didn't have the details and stupidly I didn't bother pursuing it.
Anyway... 4 years later I have a new commuter and think I may as well sell the old one. Contact Bike Register with the bike details and request they contact the person it is registered to. This person subsequently reports the bike as stolen 'but didn't bother to at the time' and would like their bike back.
When I bought the bike it was fairly cheap but properly knackered:
Anyway I've replaced/repaired/fixed all of the above since; presumably any items I've added can be removed?
Further to the above it seems a bit suspicious to me that this person has decided to declare their bike stolen (at least) 4 years down the line? Might just be bitterness on my part though.
Any advice?