All set for the 2023 Formula 1 British Grand Prix policing operation at Silverstone

A four-day policing operation starts in earnest today (Thursday, July 6) as a record-breaking crowd arrives at Silverstone for the 2023 Formula 1 Aramco British Grand Prix.

More than 450,000 people are expected to attend the UK’s largest sporting event, which takes place at the circuit between July 6-9, with 160,000 set to be in attendance to watch Sunday’s main race.

To ensure everyone has a crime-free, safe, and enjoyable experience during their visit to the county, Northamptonshire Police will be delivering a robust policing operation over the next four days.

Uniformed officers, plain-clothed detectives, PCSOs and Special Constables will be patrolling the circuit, the campsites, and the surrounding road network, along with specialist resources including overt armed officers, search teams, disruption officers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) units.

At last year’s event, six protesters were arrested for a track incursion after entering the live track at the start of the F1 race and received suspended prison sentences at Northampton Crown Court after been found guilty of causing a public nuisance.

Extra resources will be in place throughout this year’s race event and officers will use new policing powers introduced under the Public Order Act 2023, as part of the contingency plans should anyone attempt to unlawfully disrupt the event.

Working closing with the event organisers, other emergency services and partner agencies, this year’s policing operation will be led by Event Commander for Northamptonshire Police, Detective Superintendent Richard Tompkins.

He said: “People have already started arriving and setting up for this year’s British Grand Prix and we are ready to ensure everyone has an enjoyable, safe, and crime-free experience both at Silverstone and while visiting our county.

“Alongside uniformed officers, PCSOs, police staff, specials, and volunteers, we will also have detectives, armed officers, and specialist search dogs and their handlers, patrolling the circuit, the campsites and local area throughout the event.

“With more than 450,000 people expected to attend this year’s event, the security measures that are in place are as stringent as ever. Our priority is to keep the public safe and arresting those who attend the event with the intention of committing crime.

“With that aim in mind, I would like to remind anyone who may be thinking of bringing flares, smoke bombs or pyrotechnics to Silverstone that these items will be confiscated, and you will be refused entry as well as be subject to police scrutiny.

“We would also like to remind people that there is a 2.3-mile flying restriction cordon in place around the circuit’s heliport including many of the campsites, which means drones are strictly prohibited.”

Sadly, it is not just law-abiding citizens who attend major sporting events as pickpockets and ticket touts often operate near to the venue, and Det Supt Tompkins is encouraging those attending to report anything suspicious to police or the Silverstone security team.

He said: “With a record-breaking crowd expected over the four days, we would advise against anyone turning up without a ticket, and I would also ask Formula 1 fans to be aware of people selling counterfeit tickets.

“We would also ask people to stay vigilant and be aware of their surroundings. We would also recommend they look at the crime prevention and safety advice on our website and do all they can to prepare for their visit.

“The most important thing is that if you spot something which does not feel right, trust your gut instinct, and report it to us, or a member of the Silverstone team, straightaway. We would rather it be nothing than you have not told us at all.”

If you see anything suspicious at the circuit during the British Grand Prix, report it to a member of Silverstone staff, a nearby police officer or alternatively call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

You can stay up to date by following us on social media @NorthantsPolice on Twitter or by ‘liking’ Northamptonshire Police on Facebook. Or visit www.northants.police.uk/silverstone for more information.