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@fakenger35
Here's an email I got from the cops about abandoned bikes:
*Dear Dan,
Whilst I appreciate your sentiments regarding unattended bikes in bike racks I am afraid that the Metropolitan Police Service is unable to give you permission to remove any of these.
For your information to be accused of stealing the property must have an owner. This is not only in law but also logically because if it does not have an owner then it is highly doubtful that anyone would inform us that the bike has gone and thus make an allegation of theft.
As regards to a removal policy I can only assume that the Local Authority are responsible for the removal of bikes in a similar way they are to cars so if you give them a ring they may be able to assist.
Hope this helps
Alan Draper
Inspector - Westminster North OCU*
When he says it needs to have an owner in order to be stolen, he's basically saying that no-one will give a toss if you take an abandoned bike. Think of it this way: if you cleared a dumped fridge off the street, it would be regarded as a public service