Hundreds of knives have been confiscated from people trying to carry them into courtrooms.
More than 1600 knives were seized from defendants and visitors at courts in Sussex over the last two years by security staff using metal detectors and body searches.
Over the same period alcohol and drugs were seized more than 1,000 times and nearly 5000 cameras and voice recorders were confiscated.
Of the 320 knives confiscated at Brighton Magistrates' Court in the last two years, 31 were returned to their owners while nearly a third of the 59 knives taken at Worthing Magistrates' Court this year were also returned.
Under the current rules the owner can reclaim their item if the court considers that the knife was lawfully held.
Owners of knives that have a blade shorter than three inches have 28 days from the date of confiscation to apply in writing to the court to reclaim it.
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