The Thames Valley Police Open Day event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

It’s a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes of policing and last year over 5,000 people attended.

It takes place at the Force’s training centre in Sulhamstead and will be from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 6 August with exhibits and activities to take part in, as well as displays from departments including the Dog Section, the Mounted Section and Public Order. There will also be a chance to visit the retired police dogs.

This year there is a focus on online crime. Visitors will be given 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 Royal Bank of Scotland and the national fraud and online crime reporting agency Action Fraud. Advice will range from setting a secure password to how to spot a scam.

At the Open Day, visitors will also have the chance to:

  • Examine the high-speed vehicles used by the Hampshire and TVP Joint Roads Policing Unit and tour the National Police Air Service helicopter;
  • Take part in Crime Scene Investigation activities with the Forensic Investigation Team;
  • See the Force Museum display of vintage and modern police motorbikes, as well as a feature on policing the Newbury Bypass 20 years on and visit the museum shop and take part in raffle with all profits going to the museum.

In addition there will be over 40 police departments and external agencies taking part on the day, including the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, various search and rescue charities, the Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust and Recruitment.

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.

The winning entries for the police car livery design competition will be on display at the event. The winners were Aiden Carey, age 4, from Theale, Berkshire, and Oliver Head, age12, from Edlesborough, Buckinghamshire.

With thanks to this year’s sponsors AA Drive Tech, Mountain Healthcare, Baxter Storey, CDS, Enterprise Rent-a-car, Vodafone, Dacoll Limited, Grundon, Mercury FM, Headington Carriers Ltd, Thames Water, Sugdens, Patrolstore, Gresham, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ramorao, CBG Consultants and TVM Oxford Building Society.

Doors open for the event at 9.45am (last entry is at 3.30pm). Parking at the site is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

No dogs are allowed on-site except for guide dogs. Entry is free for adults and children. Food will be available to purchase all day – cash only