Bradford Police are warning truants to beware after more than 40 children were caught skipping school during a crackdown in the city.

A combined seven-day operation by Odsal Police, Bradford Council's Education Social Work Service, park rangers and schools flushed out 43 students dodging lessons.

Police say the number of crime incidents in the areas targeted, Canterbury, Little Horton and Buttershaw, also fell significantly' during the crackdown from December 2 to December 8. The initiative, piloted last winter when dozens of truants were caught during a three-day blitz, has been hailed a resounding success.

Now police divisions across the district are considering implementing similar schemes, with Odsal promising to repeat the operation regularly.

Sergeant Ian Dellow, of Odsal Police, said: "We are all concerned at the number of children roaming the streets and local parks during school hours. Apart from falling further behind with their education, there are safety concerns.

"It is important to remember it is the parents of these children who commit the offence, not the children, and they can face fines of up to £1,000.

"Teaching staff are committed to giving pupils the best possible education, but they need the support of parents to ensure their child goes to, and stays in, school." Parental support for getting tough with truants, however, wasn't a problem at Buttershaw High School, which, along with Grange High School, played an active part in the crackdown.

Senior teacher Margaret Harkin said: "All the parents who were contacted about this were supportive, and the school would certainly welcome future actions.

"All students who were involved have been given detention and are being monitored to ensure they attend."

Bradford Council's Executive Member for Education, Councillor David Ward, said he looked forward to seeing the scheme spread.

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