Forum Topic

Found bike

I have been trying to get a response for nearly two weeks from our local police about what to do with this bike found near St Michael and All Angels church in Bedford Park, to no avail. I have checked the frame number on various websites and can’t find it.  So has anyone lost a  bike in the last 2 weeks?  Please email me with colour and make and we can  hopefully return it to its rightful owner.

Jane Simmons ● 1422d7 Comments

Have emailed you, thanks! x

Chris Blackwell ● 1422d

Hi Jane. I applaud your initiative.I had a bike stolen from the 'secure' bike parking at Turnham Green Station a few weeks ago.....the area under camera surveillance that nobody seems to monitor. I called the number which is under Hounslow Council's services but got no reply. And the police closed the file after one hour.It is a man's 'Specialised' hybrid bike, 3 x 7 speed, mostly black, with gear controls on the handlebars a saddle with a slight tear, and little black bell on the handlebar.If yours matches the description, I'd be thrilled. Yours, Nic Fox

Nic Fox ● 1421d

"I have been trying to get a response for nearly two weeks from our local police about what to do with this bike found near St Michael and All Angels church in Bedford Park, to no avail."Police no longer deal with found bikes."Please make reasonable enquiries to try to find the owner, these could include asking people nearby or in offices or shops. You could also consider leaving a note with your details."If you can't find the owner the there's nothing more we can do and you should dispose of the item.""Most police forces can't help with found bicycles. You can check whether the bike has been reported stolen at www.bikeregister.com" Only when its valuable will they take note. That is a call you have to make but id say a bike worth £500 is most likely not classed as valuable

Julian Pavey ● 1421d

If no-one claims it a friend of mine would like it.  He is desperate for one.

Sarah Vickers ● 1421d

I can see an essay question coming up - “Somewhere safe to lock bikes up, would do more to promote cycling, than all the cycle lanes and road closures.”Discuss.

Russell Pearson ● 1421d

I’m afraid it’s not yours Nic.

Jane Simmons ● 1421d

If you put "stolen bike" in the search on this site there are a lot of posts that come up.  I've posted many times with names stolen bike websites but it is worthwhile knowing that for the police to reunite you with your bike you do need to be able to identify it. So do register your bike and make sure that you have the frame number etc and photos etc prepared for sharing quickly.  I also reposted a very useful post by Michael Robinson some years ago.  I'm sure by now it ought to be cheaper to chip your bike and locks I expect are changing.  Thieves of course always have to adapt to be successful so owners have to as well.I think you can still request bicycle parking from the Councils but you also need to take responsibility and be able to secure your bike.  Also don't be afraid to ask if venues have any or where the nearest is and suggest that they might like to install some sort of bike parking if they don't.  You can sometimes find bikes being given away on www.trashnothing.com where you can also request items.

Philippa Bond ● 1420d