EDUCATION officers and police officers were on the look out for truants this week as part of a special crackdown.

Hampshire County Council and the police have teamed up for a series of sweeps across the county as part of a national initiative to crack down on truancy.

Those patrolling the streets talked to youngsters who were not at school and, if they were playing truant, they were be taken back to their classroom and their parents notified.

Young children who were found playing truant were registered by the county council and police and follow up action will be taken which includes giving advice and guidance to parents.

Those children who were out of school and accompanied by their parents were also spoken to by education and police officers.

While most Hampshire pupils attend school regularly, the aim of the campaign is to reduce the number of unauthorised absences - of which truancy plays a big part.

During the academic year of 2001/2002 12,672 primary school children and 12,888 secondary school children were recorded as having an unauthorised absence from the countyÕs schools.

This resulted in 160 parents being prosecuted for failing to send their children to school regularly.

Truancy sweeps in the Bordon area between September 2001 and July 2002 have resulted in a total of 29 children being stopped and interviewed by education officers.

Research has shown that you people who play truant are more likely than others to leave school with few qualifications, are more likely to be out of work and are more likely to be homeless. There is also a strong link between truancy and juvenile crime.

Hampshire County CouncilÕs cabinet member for education Don Allen said: ÒItÕs vital that young people regularly attend school, giving them the very best start in life and preparing them for work and training.

ÒThose who play truant are more likely to experience difficulties and could be a risk to other people.

ÒThis joint programme with Hampshire Constabulary aims to further reduce the small number of unauthorised absences and I hope families and young people will take the messages on board.Ó