VISITORS to East Surrey's courtrooms attempted to smuggle in 253 "dangerous" items in the space of just one year.
Information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act further revealed that security staff confiscated 30 knives from visitors last year, as well as 57 alcoholic beverages.
The figures were taken from records at both Redhill Magistrates' Court and Guildford Crown Court, where hearings for crimes committed in Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge and Mole Valley take place.
John Hanley, 59, a retired court security officer, said he was "completely unsurprised" by the figures, which were taken from January to December of last year.
He said: "I would bet the number is closer to twice that if you count the ones that do sneak things in.
"You would think that people must be mad to try and bring weapons into a courtroom but they do it. I have stopped people with things ranging from fixed blades to ninja stars.
"Sometimes they are just hoodlums who have forgotten they have it on them because they are so used to carrying a knife or whatever and they suddenly find themselves at court.
"On rare occasions there is a genuine intent to hurt someone. Maybe it's a witness or a defendant who has hurt a friend or family member or maybe even a judge. It defies belief."
The total figure includes 77 cameras, as photographs are not permitted within the precincts of a courthouse, and ten tools, which applies to anything from screwdrivers to a pair of pliers.
There were also 24 "other" items confiscated which, in the opinion of court security officers, could be used as a weapon, cause a hazard to others in the building or be used to disrupt the court. These items included umbrellas, aerosols and soft drink cans.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice said court security officers were allowed to seize any items "deemed dangerous to courtroom proceedings".
She added: "Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service takes the issue of security within courts extremely seriously and has a robust security and safety system to protect all court users and the Judiciary.
"The system includes mandatory bag searches, the use of metal detectors and surveillance cameras.
"Court security officers have legislative powers to protect all those in the court building.
"The powers of the court security officers include the ability to restrain and remove people from the building should there be a need.
"Our security system is continually monitored to ensure it is effective and proportionate and mitigates the risks faced."
