THE public can take a sneak peek at life within Thames Valley Police this weekend as the force hosts its annual open day.

More than 5,000 people are expected at the event, which takes place on Saturday (August 6) at the force’s training centre in Sulhamstead.

The free event runs from 10am until 4pm and will see more than 40 police departments and partner agencies taking part, as well as stalls offering food and drinks (cash only).

Aiden Carey, aged four and from Theale, will get the chance to see his winning entry for the police car livery design competition on display during the day too.

There will be a number of displays from the Dog Section, the Mounted Section and the Public Order officers and animal lovers will have the chance to get up close to some of the retired police dogs.

This year there will be a focus on online crime, with visitors being offered advice and information about how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of this growing problem. There will be a children’s quiz, talks by police experts, the chance to get involved in a forthcoming online crime awareness campaign and stalls run by organisations including the Royal Bank of Scotland and the national fraud and online crime reporting agency Action Fraud.

The open day will also offer people the chance to see the high-speed vehicles used by the Hampshire and Thames Valley Police Joint Roads Policing Unit and tour the National Police Air Service helicopter.

There will be the opportunity to take part in Crime Scene Investigation activities with the Forensic Investigation Team and see the force museum’s display of vintage and modern police motorbikes, as well as a feature on policing the Newbury Bypass 20 years on.

Other agencies who will be attending the event include the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, search and rescue charities, the Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust and the police force’s recruitment department.

This year, Thames Valley Police will be supporting two charities: Domestic Abuse Stops Here (DASH) and Care of Police Survivors (COPS), who will both have stands at the event.

Doors open at 9.45am and limited parking is available at the site on a first-come, first-served basis.