N.Y. Pers. Prop. Law § 255

§ 255. Disposition of instruments. 1. An instrument deposited with the\npolice shall be delivered to the person entitled thereto upon payment of\nall reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith.\n 2. No instrument deposited with the police shall be destroyed or sold.\nExcept as provided in subdivision three of section two hundred\nfifty-six, no such instrument shall be returned to the finder, or his\nemployer, or the person who deposited it with the police, or the person\nupon whose premises it was found.\n