SEX offenders and vandals were among 852 people who received cautions from Dorset Police last year, latest figures have revealed.

Statistics released by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martyn Underhill showed police handed out simple cautions for a range of offences including 390 for violence against the person, 17 for sex offences, 117 for theft and 73 for criminal damage.

The figures were revealed following an independent review into so-called out of court disposals after concerns were raised by constituents.

A total of 1,670 such disposals were issued in the financial year 2014/15. They fall into several categories including cautions and community resolution.

Following analysis, 12 recommendations were made, all of which have now been accepted by Dorset Police and the PCC and will be implemented.

Among the recommendations are that victims should be consulted and their views taken into account if a caution is being considered.

It is also recommended that all those making decisions about simple cautions should have appropriate training and skills and that training in community resolution should be expedited.

More than 100 crime records were examined for the review and interviews were conducted with chief officers from Dorset Police.

Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill said: "We police in this country by consent. Scrutiny and confidence in policing are both paramount . If the police charge a person with an offence, their actions are examined and scrutinised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) the Judiciary and/or the public acting as magistrates or jurors.

"How the police deal with people when an offence is committed and no one is charged is intrinsic to the whole issue of confidence and accountability. I decided to test the system, and establish whether Dorset Police act ethically, transparently, and with due consideration for victims."

The report praised the decision making on out of court disposals in complex, serious or unusual cases and stated that despite the lack of victim engagement, the level and nature of offences for which people receive simple cautions is appropriate and proportionate.

Since the publication of this report, training is now being rolled out across the Force.

Mr Underhill added: "I welcome the report findings. The good practice found should be celebrated, as should the learning points identified, which will help us deliver policing in Dorset in a more joined up and accountable way. I am of the view that some of these learning points could be useful on the national stage, and I have therefore sent this review to HMIC and the Home Secretary."

Jan Steadman, Dorset Police’s Head of Criminal Justice, said: " The use of out of court disposals is one of a number of options that Dorset Police employs to bring offenders to justice and resolve crimes. We follow the national guidance and our aim is to always use OoCD appropriately.

"We will continue with our good practice and will implement the recommended improvements."