Abandoned bikes

There is a process for taking ownership of an abandoned vehicle. A friend of mine noticed that a motorbike on his street hadn't moved for months. No-one seemed to know who's it was, so he reported it to the police, filled out some forms, and after a further period of time it became his, free & legal. Did it up. Rode it for a couple of years then sold it for decent wedge.

Don't know if similar applies to bicycles, but i'd guess asking the cops would be a good first step.

because in the police's eyes a bike is not a vehicle it will go via the lost or stolen property channel so it's 3 months in the slammer for the bike then away you go. unless the bike is a very nice peice of metal most owners won't care and won't bother to go to the police and ask about it.