[§52D-14]  Duty and right of finders. (a)  Except as provided in section 261-17.7, all money or property found shallbe reported or delivered by the finder to the chief of police of the county. When so delivered, it shall be held by the chief of police for forty-five daysor until claimed by some person who establishes title or right of custodythereto to the satisfaction of the chief of police.  If title or right ofcustody is established, the money or property shall be delivered to theclaimant by the chief of police.

(b)  If no claim is made or no such right isestablished within the forty-five days, the money or property shall be returnedto the person who delivered it to the chief of police; provided that if theperson who delivered it to the chief of police fails to claim the money orproperty within thirty days after being notified by the chief of police thatthe person is entitled to possession, the chief of police shall dispose of themoney or property in accordance with the procedures established in section52D-10.  For the purpose of this section, notice by regular mail to theperson's last known address shall be sufficient. [L 1989, c 136, pt of §2]