A law enforcement officer may remove the ignition key left in the ignition switch of an unlocked and unattended motor vehicle parked on a street or highway. The officer removing the key shall place notification upon the vehicle detailing his or her name and badge number, the place where the key may be reclaimed, and the procedure for reclaiming the key. The key shall be returned to the owner of the motor vehicle upon presentation of proof of ownership.
(R.C. § 4549.05) (Prior Code, § 444.02)