New maximum sentences for knife related offences come into effect today.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has increased jail terms for possession of a knife with intent to cause injury from 5 to 7 years.

Trespassing with a knife or other such weapons has also increased from 5 to 7 years, making an object capable of causing serious injury also increases from 5 to 7 years.

While the manufacturing, importation, sale, hire or loan of such weapons increases from 7 to 10 years.

Helen McEntee says anyone carrying a knife is committing a serious crime...