The chief of police, or any member of the police department designated by the chief of police, is hereby authorized to remove or have removed any vehicle left at any place within the village which reasonably appears to be in violation of the provisions of this chapter, or which reasonably appears to be lost, stolen or unclaimed, or which is an "inoperable motor vehicle" as defined in section 5-8-1 of this chapter. (1978 Code § 10-2-4)