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.

you need to hire a magician to stand on the other side of the street entertaining the public . you know kind of like a decoy! Or arrange for a large explosion to go off, just up the road as a diversion. ;)