Gardai see drastic rise in knife seizures over past two years

Harsher sentences need to be dished out to try and deter knife crimes as gardai see a drastic increase in the amount being seized.

There's been a 66% increase in the amount seized over the last two years according to Fianna Fail's Jim O'Callaghan who's pushing for a major reform of the laws.

A new amendment act will reach its second stage later this week and will be debated by the party in the Dail.

Justice spokesman O'Callaghan said the maximum sentence for knife crimes needs to increase and says there's "growing anecdotal evidence" to show there's been an increase in incidents.

He said: “By increasing the maximum sentence we would be sending a very clear message about knife crime.

"People must understand that carrying knives for no lawful purpose is not permitted and will be severely punished.

“I was informed earlier this year that the CSO does not release figures on the occurrence of crimes involving knives, nor does it appear that they will in the near future, due to concerns that the information provided through the PULSE database would yield inaccurate or misleading results.

"Currently, people can get a maximum sentence of five years and/or a fine for carrying a knife intended to incapacitate or injure another person.

“This summer four people were killed in Dublin in knife attacks.

Some of the objects seized this afternoon (An Garda Siochana facebook)

"Unfortunately, this reveals that people are carrying knives for the purpose of inflicting harm on others.

"At present the maximum penalty for being found in possession of a knife with intent to harm another is five years.

"The maximum sentence needs to be increased so that there is a real deterrent to cut down on the growing knife culture in Ireland.

"It is important that people are aware that carrying knives for no lawful purpose is not permitted and will be severely punished.

“The number of knives seized by An Garda Siochana nationwide has increased by 66% in two years.

"There is growing anecdotal evidence too to show that knives are being used in a greater number of crimes, and yet the Minister for Justice cannot provide details."