Using metal detectors for the first time at Cup Match, security officials confiscated 40 knives - with five illegal ones eventually being destroyed.

President of International Security and Fire Limited, Marsha Andrew told The Royal Gazette yesterday that her company operated the metal detectors and hand-held scanners that were used at Cup Match this year.

The four medal detectors at the cricket match were leased to the Somerset Cricket Club for $1,000 per day, she said.

Ms Andrew said the vice president of the Somerset Cricket Club, Alfred Maybury asked her for the machines and Police were stationed by them the whole time in case any problems arose.

When asked if there are plans to utilise the metal detectors and scanners again Mr. Maybury said: “We will make that decision as it comes.”

He added that it depends on the event but its a possibility that the added security will be used again because it was very successful.

Mr. Maybury said the Somerset Cricket Club initiated the use of metal detectors and the Police were very supportive of the idea.

Ms Andrew said many of the knives that were confiscated were pocket knives, which are legal, and the owners were able to collect them after the game. However, knives that had blades over six-inches long were not returned and were subsequently destroyed by her company.

Mr. Maybury said the knives that were confiscated were not brought as weapons, but more for food preparation. He added: “People recognised what our goal was so they gave them up.”

Ms Andrew said that most people were very appreciate for the extra security and were co-operative.

However, one man who was visibly intoxicated refused to had over his knife and continued to walk through security. A Policeman followed him and the man turned around and threw his knife at the security station. No one was injured.

The man was escorted from the grounds, she said.

Ms Andrew said that on the first day of Cup Match she and her team were asked to leave at 6 p.m. On the second day, she stayed and continued scanning people until 8.30 p.m. and in the time frame between 6 p.m. and 8.30 p.m., 20 knives were confiscated.

Ms Andrew said that the Somerset Cricket Club expressed interest in leasing the metal detectors - which are airport quality - for football matches.

She added that the Bank of Butterfield were interested in buying some, but the bank could not be reached by press time to confirm.

Police brought some hand held scanners and more have been ordered, she said.

Ms Andrew said she trained the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton to conduct the scanning at Cup Match.

A Police spokesman was unable to confirm last night exactly how many illegal knives were confiscated at Cup Match.