Worrying haul of weapons seized from people entering Exeter court

People who have attended Exeter courts in recent months have tried to smuggle in an array of weapons and drugs, police have revealed.

In a recent post on social media, officers from the Exeter Neighbourhood Police team highlighted the recent seizures by security staff at Crown and Magistrates' court thanks to a mixture of the airport-style arch metal detectors and searches by court security staff.

They revealed that a worrying number of weapons had been taken off those who have entered the courts with some even attempting to bring in illegal drugs into the buildings.

Displaying a small knife in a picture on their social media Twitter page Exeter Police wrote: "Size doesn't matter... going through security at court. Forty knives confiscated by staff at Exeter Court in recent months. These were collected by us along with various drugs and paraphernalia."

Exeter Police have provided a link to the government website which gives guidance on what you can - and cannot - take into any court in the UK:

Items you’re not allowed to take in

You cannot take guns, firearms, knives or other weapons into the building.

You’ll be reported to the police if you try to take a weapon into a court or tribunal building.

You also cannot take in items that security staff think could be used as a weapon, even if you think they’re harmless.

These include things like:

• blades - such as scissors, penknives and razors
• other sharp items - such as knitting needles and darts
• glass - for example bottles
• metal cutlery
• syringes (unless you have a prescription)
• toy guns and other things that look like guns
• tools - for example screwdrivers, hammers and nails
• ropes and chains
• alcohol
• liquids that are not drinks or prescription medicine - such as oils, perfumes lighter refills and cleaning products
• full-length umbrellas
• crash helmets

Items you can take in

You can take in phones and cameras, but you must not take photos or make videos with them.

You can bring in hand sanitiser. You will be asked to use it in front of security staff to prove it’s not harmful.

Drinks

You can take in:

• unopened drinks in cartons and cans
• drinks in a bottle, flask or cup with a lid - these cannot be made of glass

If your drink is opened, or in a bottle, flask or cup, you’ll be asked to drink some to prove it’s not harmful.

Medicines

You can take in prescription medicines. They must have the pharmacist label with your name and the date they were issued.

Security staff will check the label. They will not record or share the information. Find out how your personal information is used.

Going through security

You’ll go through a security check, like you would at an airport. This may include:

• emptying your pockets into a tray
• taking off your shoes, coat, gloves or hat
• being asked to take off or open your belt
• walking through an archway detector
• being checked by hand or with a handheld scanner

If you’re wearing a head covering for religious or cultural reasons, you can ask for it to be checked with a handheld scanner so you do not have to take it off.

If you cannot take your items in with you

Security staff will keep any items you cannot take into the building and give you a receipt. You can usually use this to collect your items when you leave.

Knives

If you have a knife, you will not be able to collect this when you leave. You’ll need to write to the court within 28 days instead. The letter must include:

• your first and last name
• your address
• the date and time the knife was taken by security
• a description of the knife
• your receipt number

You’ll usually get your items back within a month after the court receives your letter.

Someone acting on your behalf can write the letter for you, such as your solicitor or guardian. They should include their name and address when they send it.

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