The number of weapons found in courts has trebled over the past 12 months, the Ministry of Justice has revealed. Data provided by the department in response to a written parliamentary question shows that 3,028 items classified as weapons were confiscated on the HM Courts & Tribunals Service estate in November, up from 848 last December.

The number of knives with blades under three inches has significantly risen over the past year, with 433 being confiscated in November alone. Also confiscated last month were 24 knives with larger blades, 423 other blades, 10 firearms, 176 other weapons and 1,962 sharp items.

Justice minister Mike Freer MP said HMCTS has embedded a series of security measures designed to keep its buildings and people inside safe and secure.

HMCTS guidance states that people must not take to court any items that security staff think could be used as a weapon. As well as scissors, glass bottles, metal cutlery and liquids, the list includes knitting needles and darts, metal cutlery, screwdrivers, hammers and nails, and full-length umbrellas.

 

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