Help us, help you to stay safe at this year’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone

There is just one week to go until the 2023 Formula 1 Aramco British Grand Prix arrives in the county and Northamptonshire Police is urging those heading to Silverstone to help the Force keep everyone safe.

More than 450,000 people are expected to descend on South Northamptonshire for the four-day event which takes place between July 6-9, with a record-breaking crowd set to be in attendance to watch Sunday’s main race.

As people prepare for their trip to the circuit, the Force is reminding the public about the use of drones and flares as well as asking everyone travelling to the circuit to behave responsibly and consider the safety of themselves and others.

Detective Superintendent Richard Tompkins, the event commander for Northamptonshire Police, said: “Working closely with the event organisers, other emergency services and partner agencies, we will be out and about at the circuit, the campsites and local area throughout the event to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe as possible British Grand Prix.

“We will be deploying specialist assets such as plain-clothed detectives, armed officers, and dogs alongside uniformed officers, PCSOs, police staff, specials, and volunteers. This is aimed at keeping the public safe and arresting those who attend the event with the intention of committing crime.

“With more than 450,000 people expected to attend this year’s event, we would also urge everyone to be our eyes and ears to help ensure everyone leaves the venue having had a crime-free, safe, and enjoyable experience.

“With that aim in mind, I would like to remind those people who may be thinking of bringing flares, smoke bombs or pyrotechnics to Silverstone that these devices are very dangerous and can endanger lives.

“The security measures in place will be as stringent as ever and therefore if anyone enters the circuit with any such devices, the item will not only be confiscated but more importantly, they will be refused entry and their actions subject to police scrutiny.

“We would also like to remind people on the strict rules around drones and are asking people not to bring or consider flying drones anywhere at the circuit or surrounding private or public land.

“A 2.3-mile flying restriction cordon will be in place around the circuit heliport, which will also take in many of the campsites, but the sheer number of people attending the event means it would not be safe or legal to fly even outside the circuit.

“We will have officers on patrol over the four days at the circuit, campsites and in local area, and they will be looking out for unauthorised use of drones. Anyone found to be breaking the rules regarding the relevant legislation will be spoken to and appropriate action taken.

Sadly, it’s not just law-abiding citizens who attend venues as pickpockets often operate at major sporting events and Det Supt Tompkins is encouraging those attending to be aware of their surroundings and their property and to report anything suspicious to police.

He said: “I would advise people to stay aware of their surroundings and who is around them when they are paying for things. Don’t take more money than you need and try to pay for items on your card if possible.

“Secure your bag when you’re walking around and stay vigilant. 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.