A victim support group has voiced its concern at figures showing a rise in the number of sexual offenders and violent criminals given cautions.

A Freedom of Information request revealed that Redbridge police issued 787 cautions in the last financial year, compared to 754 in the previous 12 months.

Cautions are issued to people who admit an offence, but they do not go through a legal process, meaning their identities are not disclosed and there is no court trial.

Jan Scott, north east London divisional manager of Victim Support, is worried that cautions could mean victims of serious assaults do not receive the support they need.

She said: “I agree that the reporting of these types of crimes has gone up, but we need to be mindful that cautions mean the victim does not have their day in court.

“Court can be a stressful experience but the voice of the victims isn’t taken into account and this is worrying.

“Especially in the case of serious sexual assaults and domestic abuse, it is important these go to trial because this is the only way a victim impact statement is recorded on how they were affected and what support they need.

“Cautions are not enough in most circumstances because a court can impose more robust rulings for victims and strong bail terms.”

People in Redbridge who admitted violence against the person, which includes GBH, assault and harassment, were cautioned on 441 occasions in the last 12 months, compared to 384 last year.

32 people who admitted sexual offences were cautioned by police, compared to seven in the previous 12 months.

For grievous bodily harm, 30 cautions were given this year from only two the previous year.

The Guardian is still awaiting comment from Redbridge police.

Victim support can be contacted on 02085502410.