Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

Picture the scene. Small block of flats comprising of 7 properties. A motorbike chain locked with a padlock around a shelter support. The chain has been there for more than two years and hasn't been touched. The owner of the chain isn't a resident and hasn't been seen in the same amount of time.

If someone were to grind off the padlock and take the chain for themselves would this be wrong?

Who would consider it making use of old rubbish and who would consider it theft?

Re: Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

Me - recycling

Law - probably theft

Re: Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

+1

Re: Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

Can it be removed WITHOUT removing the padlock?

If so, do that and hand it into the police - if no-one claims it I think you can.

Even if you have to pick the lock I would do that.

Means you are 100% in the clear.

I guess you could grind the lock, and then hand in the chain saying thats how you found it.

Thats probably the best way of doing it.

Mind you, after 2 years weathering, is the chain worth the effort?

Re: Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

I was going to say, do it at night so no-one sees you, but thinking about it - do it during the day. You'll look less suspicious and less likely to get any attention even if anyone walks past you.

That is *if* you're sure that no-one uses the chain during the day when you're working.


Thinknig about it, there're a couple of chains of mine kicking about the place. One at an old workplace & one around the garden wall of an old house. No idea where the keys are.

Re: Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

I would of thought someone i.e the owner would need to report it stolen for it to 'be stolen'!!!

Like someone above said do it, hand it into police then when no one claims it which they won't it will become yours!

Re: Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

possession is 9ths of the law... maybe? besides you are probably doing your duty in removing dumped rubbish

Re: Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

I'd recycle it.

Re: Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

If you're that bothered, type up an official notice signed by the property management company saying that if this eyesore is not removed within a week/month it will be removed by the management and the owner charged for it's removal.

If you are that confident that it's not in use, I would just help myself after a couple of years.

Re: Would you consider this theft or a public service?
 

Anyone asks you what your doing just tell them you lost your keys and that your getting your chain off.. how can they prove it is or isnt yours...