Few days ago, we had a similiar case in Berlin. A bike which occurs to be a Ritchey Ultra was locked up in public area, the wheels and some other parts were already gone. The bike was there for a long time, rust and even moss on the chainstays where an undoubtley indicator.
Still, I dont wanted to "steal" it and just open the lock. So I went to the police, and they told me, that they are a) not responsible unless a report of a stolen bike is coming in and b) advised me just to fake a contract, open the lock and finish the case (really, the officer told me that!). The only way to get legal access to the bike, would be to wait after the community put there sticker on it and the city cleaning took it away - you would have to contact the city cleaning that you are interested in this particular bike and MAYBE they give it to you.
Also Berlin isnt England, the system seems to be the same.
So just cut the lock and get it. Every owner who cares about his/her bike should be glad that it was saved from weather and vandalism. You may should post it here and/or gumtree in order to find the owner.
Unfortunately the Ritchey from my recent experience above was already so severe damaged that a rescuing attempt would have been worthless.
Good luck
Still, I dont wanted to "steal" it and just open the lock. So I went to the police, and they told me, that they are a) not responsible unless a report of a stolen bike is coming in and b) advised me just to fake a contract, open the lock and finish the case (really, the officer told me that!). The only way to get legal access to the bike, would be to wait after the community put there sticker on it and the city cleaning took it away - you would have to contact the city cleaning that you are interested in this particular bike and MAYBE they give it to you.
Also Berlin isnt England, the system seems to be the same.
So just cut the lock and get it. Every owner who cares about his/her bike should be glad that it was saved from weather and vandalism. You may should post it here and/or gumtree in order to find the owner.
Unfortunately the Ritchey from my recent experience above was already so severe damaged that a rescuing attempt would have been worthless.
Good luck
