Hundreds of illicit items seized at Ayrshire courts amid patchy security cover

Figures obtained through a freedom of information request by Ayrshire Weekly Press show that almost 400 items deemed inappropriate for courtroom entry were seized at Ayr and Kilmarnock Sheriff Courts between 2023 and 2025.

These included 59 knives, 45 other bladed or pointed articles, and 38 syringes or needles. Alcohol was the most frequently confiscated item, removed on 136 occasions, including 48 times in 2025 alone.

The data also highlights gaps in security provision. Ayr Sheriff Court had security staff present for only 15 of the 36 months covered, while Kilmarnock Sheriff Court experienced six months without cover during the same period.

In total, 195 items were seized in 2025, compared with 122 in 2024 and 76 in 2023. Other confiscated items included drug paraphernalia, glass, non-consumable liquids, ropes and chains. There were also 24 tools, 21 aerosols and a further 24 items classified as miscellaneous.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court accounted for nearly 250 of the seized items, compared with 144 at Ayr Sheriff Court. However, Ayr had more limited security coverage, relying largely on a mobile security team and going 10 months across 2024 and 2025 without on-site security.

Both courts depend on a rotational security model rather than permanent staffing, supported by measures including CCTV, alarms, access control systems and the presence of Police Scotland officers.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said it takes the safety of court users “very seriously”.

It added: “These are public buildings and we work closely with partners, including the police, to take all reasonable precautions against prohibited items being introduced into court buildings.

“Any item which is considered to be prohibited or a potential risk to public safety may be confiscated on entering a court building. The discovery of any weapon or potential weapon by staff is immediately reported to the police.

“Police officers are deployed in courts across Scotland and carry out a number of duties. The objective of police deployment within courts is to provide public reassurance, maintain public order and prevent intimidation.

“Security teams use a variety of measures to protect against potentially dangerous items being introduced into court buildings. Busier courts have a permanent security presence while others benefit from the presence of the mobile security team which attends on a rotational basis.

“Many recorded confiscations are domestic items or work tools which people bring to court but are inappropriate to take into a courtroom.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “Safety within Scotland’s courts is hugely important, as shown by the seizure rate and the success of security measures.

“The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service works closely with partners, including Police Scotland, to take precautions and action against prohibited items being taken into court buildings.”