If, during the time lost and unclaimed property is in the possession
of the Police Department, the owner of the property appears and proves his
ownership, the Department shall restore the property to him. The Department
may require that the reclaiming owner pay to the Department the reasonable
costs of storage and care of the property and the costs of publication incurred
by reason of compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.
Personal property which has been held by the Department and which has
not been returned to the rightful owner shall be subject to and may be transferred
to the finder thereof, in accordance with the General Municipal Law.
After the expiration of the applicable period, all lost and unclaimed
property which is deemed to be of limited or no value or which is a thing
which is commonly not the subject of sale may be destroyed by the Town. All
unclaimed property remaining unsold after being offered for sale at public
auction may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the Town.
No Town officer or employee may claim property as a finder or purchase
lost or unclaimed property sold in accordance with this chapter.