Those caught breaking the law will soon be opening their pocketbooks a little wider for victims of crime.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice is hiking the victim surcharge fines collected on provincial offences.

The surcharge serves as the primary source of funding for programs and services for victims of crimes, Justice Minister Don Morgan said. He acknowledged the changes to surcharges are also partly symbolic.

"It sends the message to victims that we care about them and we want to make a commitment that we're going to stand behind them. But it also is a revenue tool and we suspect it'll generate a substantial amount of money," Morgan said.

An official with the minister's office said the changes could generate an additional $800,000 to $900,000 in the coming budget year.

Morgan said the funds will go toward ensuring counselling is provided for victims, that people can make victim impact statements and that they receive support they need.

The ministry last month announced plans to increase collection efforts on outstanding provincial fines, which should also impact the level of revenue generated, Morgan said.

Where the fine imposed is $500 or less, the surcharge will be increased by $10. Where the fine imposed is greater than $500, the surcharge will be increased by 10 per cent. For example, the increased surcharges taking effect July 1 will mean $40 where the fine imposed is $99 or less and $50 when the fine imposed is between $100 and $200.

Saskatchewan's Victims of Crime Act established the surcharge on provincial offences to support programs and services for victims of crime.

Offenders pay the surcharge on top of any punishment imposed on them for all provincial offences and municipal by-laws, other than those prosecuted by bylaw tickets and parking offences.