Northamptonshire Police confirm 20 arrests at Silverstone over British Grand Prix weekend

Northamptonshire Police have confirmed 20 people were arrested for assorted offences during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone.

In their debrief of covering the event at the track located in Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire, the police force covering the event revealed 34 crimes were reported, including theft, criminal damage, assault and drugs possession, and that 20 arrests were made.

Around 500,000 people visited the circuit for the UK’s largest sporting event, with more than 160,000 spectators at the track in attendance on race day on Sunday (06/07).

A security operation helmed by Northamptonshire Police covered the track during the multi-day event.

Uniformed and plain-clothed police officers were on duty throughout the event patrolling the circuit, campsites and surrounding villages and road network. They were supported by colleagues from Thames Valley Police, and the Special Constabulary from both forces.

Specialist resources, including armed officers, search teams, disruption officers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) units, also carried out extensive patrols, while the national Live Facial Recognition team provided additional security support.

Many additional people worked hard behind the scenes providing vital assistance to the operation, including the event organisers at Silverstone, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service and the Highways Agency.

Superintendent Pete Basham led the policing operation for the event. As well as acknowledging police colleagues, emergency service and other partners for their support for the huge four-day operation, he also thanked the public for their part in helping to ensure a safe and secure event.

He said, “A huge amount of planning goes into ensuring those attending the British Grand Prix have the best possible experience and a safe and enjoyable visit to our county. 

“With nearly half a million people attending the event over the four day period, it was an extremely busy time for all involved. Inevitably, there were a number of incidents that we were called to deal with, however, this is what we plan for.

“During the entire event, a total of 34 crimes were reported, including theft, criminal damage, assault and drugs possession, with 20 arrests made.

“Considering the size of the event and the sheer volume of people on site and staying in the surrounding area, the overall number of incidents has been low. We’re always going to have incidents with this volume of people coming into an event, but thankfully the need for policing has been very limited over the last few days. 

“Policing the British Grand Prix is a significant operation but there is always a real buzz around the event and officers enjoy engaging with the crowd. I hope everyone who came to the event in whatever capacity had an enjoyable visit, and many congratulations to Lando Norris on his victory!”