Cambridgeshire Constabulary is advertising for volunteers with an “inquisitive nature” and plenty of time to spare in order to help officers track down stolen goods.

The force is looking for amateur sleuths to trawl websites, pawnbrokers, antique dealers and car boot sales in order to identify items which they suspect might have been stolen.

Volunteers will then be asked to “submit intelligence” back to officers and even produce “clear and concise reports” on their findings.

The force is also on the look out for ‘vehicle tasking volunteers,’ who will help wash and look after the constabulary’s fleet of cars.

The vehicle tasking volunteer advert reads: “We are asking for volunteers to keep our vehicles ready for action by performing weekly safety checks, maintaining essential equipment and keeping our cars looking professional.”

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: “Volunteers are a vital part of the force particularly as we continue to face financial challenges.

“All volunteers are vetted in the same way a paid member of staff is, however the difference is that it is not mandatory for our volunteers to have experience in the field they work for us.

“We provide them with all the necessary training, support and development for them to gain valuable skills and enhance their CV.”