If property which has been stolen, lost, abandoned or taken from a person under arrest comes into the possession of a member of the police department of a city by virtue of his office, he shall deliver the same to the officer or member of the department designated by the rules thereof, and shall thereupon be relieved from further responsibility therefor. The officer or member to whom such property is so delivered shall give notice as provided in section one of chapter one hundred and thirty-four. The word "city" as used in this and the four following sections shall include town.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 135, § 7