A good sting by the Met Police

[classic33]

When they go to auction, if the bikes rightful owner spots the bike with its “new owner”, in law where does this new owner stand? Is he/she still handling stolen goods and has to return said bike to the rightful owner or is it classed as abandoned and ownership given to the winning bidder?

Provided it's not replaced by an insurance company, the bike remains yours. Any new owner should be ready to give up the right to "their" bike if & when the original owner claims it.

Key to this at an auction is the staff not letting the bike leave the building if there is any claim made on it.

 

[Drago]

Some folk are reluctant to put their details on the Bike Register after it was hacked a couple of years ago.