So, you catch a 'thief'...

Interesting one. To change the path of the discussion slightly again: there's a bike locked outside my flat which hasn't moved in two months. I've left a note on it with my number saying "This looks like it has been abandoned, give me a ring if you'd like me to take it off your hands".

If the note or bike haven't moved in another month I'm going to be angle grinding it to better use.

But I've been thinking about when to do it, and what I'd say to anyone who challenged me. In a way, I'd like to get the council to do it then give me the bike, but I just can't see that happening. Sunday mornings seem like a good bet, but the neighbours might be annoyed at the noise. A rainy day might be better as there would be fewer people on the street to interfere.

i don't know where you live and what your neighbors are like but if this was on my road i would explain the situation to my neighbors...they will probably encourage it.you know how much of an eyesore a locked bike is.