Quote Originally Posted by distantcamera View Post
Normally it remains the property of the householder until the waste transfer slip is signed at which point it becomes the property of the skip owner. So you're correct in that the offence of "stealing by finding" has been committed, though it is my understanding from the Polis that once stopped my mate and I as teenagers carrying a bloody great big couldron down the road that the person has to report it stolen for it to be stolen.
Thanks...thats what I thought just wasn't sure if the law had changed,I seem to recall a case some years ago of somebody finding a painting (or could have been a ceramic pot or something) and taking it,turned out it was worth a few bob and the next thing was the original owner finding out and getting old bill involved.
Should I be lucky enough to spot something in a skip (and like the op I do tend to have a gander) I think I'll knock the owners door.....or sneak back at midnight