[antonye]

From the CAB online:

Uncollected or abandoned goods

A person may leave goods which belong to them with someone else and appear to have abandoned them. Examples include:-

scaffolding or other equipment left by builders on site
books or records left with friends
uncollected goods left at a shop for repair
uncollected goods left by a tenant in a landlord’s property
goods ordered and received but then rejected or not paid for,
and the seller has failed to collect them
unsolicited goods sent through the post

For information about dealing with unsolicited goods, see Problems with goods.

If you have uncollected or abandoned goods, you have a duty to look after them, but cannot use them or treat them as your own. You will be liable for any damage caused to the goods while they are in your care.

Goods that are dangerous, for example, a leaking fridge, should not be abandoned. Someone who abandons goods may be prosecuted.

If you are in possession of another person’s goods you can sell them if they remain uncollected, as long as:-

the original owner is responsible for collecting the goods. The goods cannot be sold if it is the finder’s responsibility to return them; and
any money received from the sale is returned to the original owner or, if this is not possible, kept on account for them. The owner only loses their right to the money after six years; and
the finder follows the correct procedure.

Link here:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/...bandoned_goods