325,000 people expected at Silverstone for F1 Grand Prix
A major police operation is underway at the circuit on the Buckinghamshire/Northamptonshire border
With 325,000 people expected at Silverstone over the next few days for the British Grand Prix, a major police operation is underway.
Police say specialist officers and dogs have been scanning the site to make sure all is safe.
They're also warning people not to fly drones over the circuit, saying officers will act quickly to stop them.
Today (July 15), specialist search officers and dogs from Northamptonshire Police have been in and around the circuit, in grandstands and campsites, to ensure race-goers have a safe and enjoyable time.
Chief Inspector Tom Thompson, the event commander for Northamptonshire Police, said:
“Spectators are already starting to arrive at the circuit for this year’s F1 British Grand Prix and Northamptonshire Police is working with the event organisers to keep them as safe as possible.
“This event is one of the biggest sporting events in the country and a lot of planning goes into the policing operation every year.
“However, although we are very experienced in the policing of this event, this doesn’t mean we are complacent. The security measures put in place by the event organisers are as stringent as ever and anyone thinking of taking advantage of the race weekend to commit a crime is highly likely to be caught.”
Officers are also warning anyone thinking of flying a drone over the circuit this weekend that their activity will be quickly curtailed.
Chief Inspector Thompson, said:
“Drones are prohibited throughout the race weekend and the Civil Aviation Authority has imposed a flight restriction for the entirety of the Grand Prix period.
“The circuit has security measures in place to identify and stop anybody attempting to fly a drone and they will be robustly investigated.
“I also recommend racegoers take a look at our crime prevention tips and do all they can to prepare for their visit.
“Finally, the public can help us keep the event safe by being vigilant for anyone who looks out of place or suspicious, by reporting it to us on the 101 number, or in an emergency 999.”
Despite resources being deployed to Silverstone, the public can be reassured that policing across Northamptonshire is unaffected.