Cash-squeezed police forces are selling off 'secondhand' pants and bras in a bid to boost their coffers. Just weeks before forces expect to be hit by £2.4bn budget cuts, many have taken to punting stolen and lost items. They are sold on the Bumblebee police auction site if the rightful owners cannot be found within three months, reports the Daily Telegraph. Among the items currently up for grabs include 10 pairs of knickers and bras from Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Currently attracting a bid of just £5.50 from someone calling themselves 'tara17', the ad for the items reads: "10x Items of Various Ladies Lingerie." It says: "Most items tagged as new", but then adds: "There are a few marks on some items." A disclaimer at the bottom of the ad reads: "These good being auctioned are second-hand, unless stated otherwise." Earlier this week Sussex Police auctioned off a size 8 scarlet-striped Basque for £5.50, Police Review magazine revealed. Ken Dawes, boss of evidential property at Avon and Somerset Police, said: "Clothing might seem strange but it is relatively run of the mill for us. "It is quite easy for shop lifters to grab so we get lots of small things like clothing, jewellery and perfume." Source: orange news